Click to Play
0 plays
The central theme of our examination today is the proclamation of the Word, an activity that is both historical and deeply spiritual. At the heart of it lies a transformational truth derived from 1 John 1:3:
"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."
John is inviting believers to engage in fellowship through the shared testimony of Christ, emphasizing the inherent power and purpose of testifying to the reality of Jesus Christ. This proclaiming is not mere lip service, but an invitation into the very life of God Himself.
The Apostle John, a close disciple of Jesus, is writing this epistle to address errors and strengthen the believers in truth and fellowship. During this time, false doctrines, such as Gnosticism, were beginning to infiltrate the Christian community, claiming that the material world is evil, and thus, Jesus could not have come in the flesh. John’s audience needed a reaffirmation of the authenticity of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man.
In 1 John 1:1, the apostle draws upon his personal experience with Jesus Christ: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” Here, John actively refutes the Gnostic teachings by pointing to his firsthand experience with Jesus. He underscored that the Word became flesh (John 1:14) and was witnessed, not just spiritually, but in a tangible, physical manner.
Let us examine two key Greek terms in this passage:
1. Koinonia (Fellowship): The word "fellowship" in Greek is "koinonia," which implies more than a mere gathering or social engagement. Koinonia refers to a deep, intimate partnership and sharing in the life of Christ and communion with the Father. When John speaks of fellowship, it is a profound unity rooted in the shared life with God and among believers.
2. Logos (Word): The term "Word" is translated from the Greek "Logos." Throughout John's writings, "Logos" refers to Jesus Christ as the divine expression and communication of God. More than just speech, Logos encompasses the full revelation and reason of God manifest in Jesus. Understanding "Logos" clarifies that when we proclaim, we are delivering more than doctrine—we are revealing the divine truth embodied in Christ.
The song's lyrics mirror the scriptural testimony of proclaiming Christ so others may share in the divine fellowship. Let us examine this stage by stage:
The practical application of this proclamation can be broken down into several steps:
1. First, we must choose to walk in the light. Our fellowship with God and others depends on transparency and truth. This requires us to renounce darkness and sin (1 John 1:6-7).
2. Second, we must proclaim our testimony boldly. Sharing what Christ has done in our lives isn't optional; it's a commission. As Jesus commands in Acts 1:8, we are His witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit.
3. Third, we must actively engage in fellowship. "Koinonia" is more than attendance; it's participation. We encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and share in the joys and suffering of the Christian journey (Hebrews 10:24-25).
4. Lastly, we must abide in the Word. Like John, who knew Jesus personally, we must root our lives in the Scriptures, allowing the Word ("Logos") to guide and transform us (Colossians 3:16).
Proclamation: In the name of Jesus, I boldly declare that I am a partaker of divine fellowship. As I proclaim what I have seen and heard of Christ, I invite others to share in the unity with the Father and the Son. I live in the light and truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to fulfill God’s purpose.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the privilege to partake in Your divine fellowship. Teach me to walk in truth and light. May the Spirit empower my testimony that others might come to know and experience the unity of faith in Your Son. Let Your Word dwell richly in me, equipping me for every good work, for Your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
No more songs available