Pastor Lowell Nelson guides us through 1 John 1:1-2:2, unpacking the Apostle John's profound reasons for writing this epistle. John's ultimate desire is to provide two main things to believers: absolute joy and unwavering confidence in their relationship with Jesus Christ. He writes so that we "may know that you have eternal life" and "that your joy may be full".
The message centers on the "Proofs of Fellowship," which serve as a litmus test, demonstrating that our actions, not just our words, are the true indicators of our devotion to the Lord. We learn that "God is light and in him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Walking in this light means living truthfully and authentically, which actively promotes our joy and confidence, while unconfessed sin and compromise purge them. Light doesn't just show the path; it also destroys darkness, reveals hidden sin, and gives life. As God "turns up the light" in our lives, we become aware of sin that has always been present, prompting us to "clean it up".
The study clarifies that while Jesus's finished work on the cross means "the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7)—all sin, past, present, and future, has been paid for—we must not deceive ourselves into thinking we have no sin. When God convicts us of specific areas, confessing our sins specifically and with a repentant heart is vital for our joy and confidence to be full. This confession isn't about earning forgiveness (which is already ours), but about agreeing with God, turning from our ways, and restoring our fellowship with Him.
Finally, we are reminded of the incredible comfort found in 1 John 2:1-2: "My little children, these things I write to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who He Himself is a propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours only but also for the whole world". Jesus acts as our divine defense attorney, having paid the penalty for every sin of every person who has ever lived. This powerful truth offers the answer to loneliness by bringing us into deep fellowship with God and the Calvary Chapel family, and the answer to emptiness by filling us with a joy and confidence that no earthly situation can take away. We are not ranked by our works, but "we're saved" and instantly part of His forever family.
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life - 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us - 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
Walking in the Light
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
1 John 2
Christ Our Advocate
1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
