Remember: Your relationship with God is secure because, through Christ, you are forgiven and accepted by God.
In addition to providing this secure relationship, God also desires for you to walk closely with Him and communicate with Him throughout each day. This is called fellowship.
When we choose to sin, our relationship (our position as God’s children) is not affected, but our fellowship is interrupted.
Father-child example: Your relationship with your earthly father is permanent. No matter what you do, you will always be his child. But suppose you rebelled against your father and angrily left home in spite of his efforts to reconcile your grievances.
Would you still be your father’s child?
What would happen to your fellowship?
Consider these differences between your relationship and fellowship with God:
Relationship with God:
Began when you
received Christ
(John 1:12)
Is everlasting
(1 Peter 1:3, 4)
Maintained by God
(John 10:27-29)
Never changes
(Hebrews 13:5)
Fellowship with God:
Began when you
received Christ
(Colossians 2:6)
Can be hindered
(Psalm 32:3-5)
Maintained in part
by us
(1 John 1:9)
Changes when
we sin
(Psalm 66:18)
How can we consistently experience fellowship with God?
Sin is a barrier for both Christians and non-Christians. Sin keeps us all from experiencing God’s love. But many people are confused by what sin is and what it is not.
What is sin? It’s more than cheating, lying, immoral behavior, etc. These actions are only the results of an attitude of sin. A simple definition of sin is: doing what we want instead of what God wants – both in actions and attitudes.
What are the results of sin?
For non-Christians, sin prohibits a relationship with God.
Read Romans 3:23.
What about unbelievers who try to live good, moral lives? Are they separated from God? Why or why not?
For Christians, sin inhibits fellowship with God.
Read 1 John 1:6-8.
SUMMARY: All of us sin. Therefore, you and I both need to experience God’s forgiveness for our attitudes and actions.
Christ’s death is the basis for forgiveness to bring us into a proper relationship with God.
Read 1 Peter 3:18.
Christ’s death is also the basis for forgiveness in our daily fellowship with God.
Read Colossians 2:13, 14.
“You were dead in sin and your sinful desires were not yet cut away. Then He gave you a share in the very life of Christ, for He forgave all your sin, and blotted out the charges proved against you, the list of His commandments which you had not obeyed. He took this list of sin and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross” (Living Bible).
In the day when this was written, “list of sins” meant an itemized bond nailed to the prison cell door. It listed every crime for which the prisoner had been convicted. When the sentence was served or restitution paid, the authorities removed the list and wrote “paid in full.” The prisoner used this as proof that he could never be tried for those crimes again. The believer who trusts Christ’s payment for sin can never be tried again. You have full pardon from God.
What has God done with your sin?
How many of your sins did Christ die for?
When Christ died on the cross for you, how many of your sins were in the future?
What difference will it make in your daily life to know you are totally forgiven?
Even though you are totally forgiven, you still need to deal with your sins on a day-to-day basis in order to experience continuing fellowship with God.
Put yourself in the father-child illustration. What would you do to restore fellowship with your father?
Let’s look at how you restore your fellowship with God.
Read 1 John 1:9.
Confession – agreeing with God about sin.
When God brings to your attention the fact that something you have done is sin, confess it. This confession involves at least three factors:
By turning back to God and away from your sin, you will experience His love and forgiveness provided by Christ’s death on the cross. Instead of guilt, condemnation, and punishment, your fellowship with God will be restored.
Confession – putting it into practice.
How often do you need to confess your sins to God?
Confession – experiencing the results.
What should you do if you still feel guilty after you have confessed your sins?
Read Psalms 32:5; 103:12; Isaiah 43:25.
“When I have confessed all my sins, I __________________________________.”
Take some time before you go to bed tonight to apply the things you have learned about God’s love and forgiveness. Make a “sin/forgiveness” list.
Try to spend 15 minutes or so each day alone with God in Bible reading and prayer. Here are some suggestions.
Understanding God’s great love and forgiveness allows Christians to enjoy a growing fellowship with Him.
But why are many Christians not experiencing the power God has made available to live the Christian life?
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