5.

Biblical marks of the true fellowship P2

1 John 3: 11-24

  • Session: 5
  • Week: 1
  • Day: 5
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Introduction

In chapter 1, John 3: 11-24, we continue to focus on understanding the principles of fatherhood and sonship in a fellowship. We also look at the qualities of abiding in a fellowship with the Father and the other siblings. In this session, we will consider the last two marks of true fellowship: maintaining brotherly love and a confident connection with the Father.

Objectives

By the end of this session, the learner will have:

  • Understood the principles of fatherhood and sonship by listing the truth in 1 John 3: 1-3.
  • Described the last two marks or characteristics of abiding in the Holy Communion, fellowship by listing points from the verses. (Purity, right living, brotherly love and confident connection with the father -source.)

Outline

  • Principles of fatherhood and sonship
  • How to abide in a true fellowship
  • Marks of holy communion, fellowship

Group Study Time

1 John 3: 11-24

Connecting

  • Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
  • Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
  • Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
  • Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.

Comprehending

  • Read 1 John 3: 10b-18. What did John reveal about the third characteristic of Holy Communion/ fellowship, brotherly love? Give a wrong example and the right example of brotherly love.
  • Read 1 John 3: 19-24. What did John reveal bout the fourth mark of Holy fellowship or Communion called being confident before the father, not condemned before him?
  • What will you do with the lessons learnt

Committing

  • Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
  • List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
  • Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
  • Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
    • Sin to confess
    • Promise to claim
    • Attitude to change
    • Command to keep
    • Error to change
    • Prayer to make
    • Example to copy
    • Truth to obey and
    • Something praiseworthy

Communicating

  • Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
  • Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
  • Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.

Post Lesson Teaching Summary

Great job completing the study! Take a moment to listen to this summary to reinforce your group’s understanding of the text and ensure you’re all on the same page. We’re here to support your learning journey!

Biblical marks of the true fellowship P2

1 John 3: 11-24

1 John 3:11-24

  • Context:
    • John defends biblical fellowship against heresies denying Jesus’ incarnation, which fueled immorality, using Luke 15 brothers to reflect Jews/Gentiles in a tainted church.
    • Four pillars stabilize fellowship—purity and righteousness covered; now brotherly love and connection to God.
  • Pillar of Brotherly Love (1 John 3:11-18):
    • Love one another, as taught from the start (v. 11); unlike Cain’s murderous hate, driven by jealousy (v. 12), Jesus’ sacrificial death models true love (v. 16).
    • Hate equals murder, lacking eternal life; love acts with compassion, not mere words (v. 14-18).
    • Mercy glues fellowship—love counters heresy’s division.
  • Pillar of Connection to God (1 John 3:19-24):
    • Truth assures hearts before God, despite condemnation (v. 19-20); obedience to His commands—believe in Jesus, love others—yields confidence and answered prayers (v. 21-23).
    • God’s Spirit confirms mutual abiding with Him (v. 24).
    • Mercy anchors believers to God’s presence, sustaining fellowship.
  • Application:
    • Uphold fellowship by loving brothers sacrificially and staying connected to God through His Spirit and commands—mercy overcomes heresy, preserving unity and mission.