This is the third study in a four-part look at John's instruction for believers in his first epistle. The first study was, HOW TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER, the second, HOW TO HAVE JOY BY BEING IN JESUS. The last message will be, HOW TO TAKE SEDUCTION SERIOUSLY. All four of the Bible studies are practical replies to the heresy that came into the first generation church and now exists unchallenged -- Jesus is not divine, he along with all men was sinful, all matter is evil, man has no choice except to live an evil life and since evil is everywhere sin is acceptable. John's answer to error and heresy is to demonstrate that believers live differently because they are in Christ. God expects His children to live separate from sin in order to enjoy fellowship with Him.

Review:

My Little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not...2:1.

I. GENERAL PREMISES

A. The general premise of this series of studies is that HOLINESS IS HAPPINESS. God has declared that by the very nature of sin, all "unholy" activity will produce unhappiness, grief and human suffering.

B. The believer is often worried about "how they walk" in daily conduct, while John's instruction is to be sure about "where we walk".

C. When the believer spends his time about how to live, he will be in constant conflict with himself, other believers and certainly with the world in general. Compromise with the world will become the inescapable and often inexcusable human condition.

D. The believer can stop wondering about "how" to live when he decides "where" to live -- in Christ.

E. To live in Christ and like the world at the same time is as certifiably impossible as to experience light and darkness, truth and error and love and hate existing at the same time and in the same sphere.

The unregenerate, sin dominated life style is incongruous and incompatible to the constant character of Christ.

F. Living in Christ settles every situation. Such a believer will not be where Jesus would not be, do what He would not do and act in a manner He would not act.

II. GOD'S CHILDREN - 2:1 - SONSHIP PRECEDES FELLOWSHIP

A. Salvation takes care of the penalty of sin for the believer; however, the presence and power of sin remains a constant contest for the Christian.

B. Father is a title reserved exclusively for those who are children of God by faith in Jesus Christ as their savior.

C. When one becomes a believer, Christ becomes our advocate to God the Father speaking in our defense. As our spokesman, He does not attempt to get us off or plea to the Father as if we are innocent. Rather, He admits our guilt but offers His death on Calvary as a payment already accepted by God.

D. The substitutionary payment of Christ on Calvary is equal payment for sin itself. Everything lost in the fall may be forgiven by the death of Christ, the righteous, since the "wages" of sin is death.

E. Notice that sin is not a must, but a maybe -- "If" any man sin. Sin is not necessary and can only be controlled by constantly walking in Christ.

III. GOD'S CHALLENGE -2:2,3 - EXCHANGED LIFE REQUIRES DEATH TO SIN

FOR FELLOWSHIP

A. Consider the truth of the text. Fellowship requires an exchanged life with Jesus. We are to die to sin just as certainly as He died for sin, Romans 6:1-11. The text does not teach that any believer ever is strong enough to be victorious over sin. Death is different from a powerful life.

B. Consider the theology of the text. Only Christ's death can make us favorable (propitiation - conciliation by a sacrifice) to the Father.

C. Consider the test of the text. The evidence of being a believer is believing in a manner that produces obedience to the will of God as contained in the word of God.

D. Consider the time of the text. The time for obedience is always and constantly.

APPLICATION: As light is in contradiction to darkness, love is to hate and truth is to error, so sin is in contradiction to Christ. To walk in light and darkness at the same time is a certifiable impossibility. GAA/August /2006