The Apostle's Warning

2. To Be on Guard against the Dangers of Hersey we Must Be in Fellowship with Others Who are God’s elect. (vv.12-13)

a. John mentions his desire to visit these brethren in person and he sends them greetings from “the children of your chosen sister” (the church from where he wrote). His aim in visiting and speaking with them face to face was “so that your [some manuscripts read “our”] joy may be made full.” There is great joy in genuine Christian fellowship, when we share in the things of God with those who have experienced His grace, mercy, and peace (v. 3).

b. Christian, don’t lose sight of the importance of fellowship!

B. John Gives a Closing Greeting from the Church at Ephesus to this Church.

1. John Closes his letter with a common expression in much of the Christian world.

a. Illust: It is rare in America, but nearly every place in the world where I have traveled for the sake of the Gospel, I have been asked to “Bring a greeting from the Church in America.” Technically, Jesse and Joyce did that earlier in the service. They are bringing us a word of greeting from the church in Ireland. A few weeks ago, I brought a word of greeting to the Ukrainian Church that I preached in. It meant a lot to the small group of believers gathered there. I told them that we loved them and were praying for them. It was an encouragement to them. So, when John says: “The children of your chosen sister greet you…” It meant that his church was greeting their church.

b. Illust: Yesterday, Carol and I helped moved Mary’s boyfriend to West Des Moines. In a relatively new area of the city. Never been there before. Hundreds of apartments/condos all looking the same. What if no fuel in car yet had GPS and address? Knew how to get there, just no fuel! How far would we get? Now, what if we had full tank but no map, no gps, couldn’t follow them. Might get to Des Moines, but wouldn’t find his place! Truth tells us where to go. Love motivates us to get there!

2. John gives an important insight in his conclusion.

a. V.12 “I hope to come to you to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.” You and I cannot experience complete joy in the Christian life apart from Christian fellowship. The Bible knows nothing of perfect joy outside of fellowship with each other through fellowship with the Father and the Son. (I Jn. 1:3-4). Illust: Over the years, and before Covid, I’ve met a lot of Christians who were not in fellowship with a local church. Either offended at someone or some decision or else no church or preacher “perfect enough” or …. Multiple reasons. As I reflected back on this passage earlier this week, you know what I realize each of those individuals had in common? They did not have joy in their Christian experience. Harsh. Angry. Cold. Bitter. NOT JOYFUL! Illust: Dear one, let me ask you this, if now, two years later, you are still choosing to stay out of fellowship because you are afraid of the consequences of a virus, how joyful are you in your Christian experience? Repent of your fears and return to your fellowship and find your joy in Jesus and with His people.