Metaphysical: It flows from the eternal and ____________ nature of God (1-3). Our fellowship with God is grounded in a relationship that we participate in through spiritual adoption. God's love for His Son and the latter's reciprocal love have existed prior to the creation of time itself.
Historical: It is objective, based on ____________ accounts (1-3). John reassures us that our fellowship is founded on observable evidence. Being based on metaphysical reality, this evidence provides us with the confirmation our human minds demand.
Experimental: It is _______________, based on faith (4). Metaphysical and historical truth will never satisfy us unless it becomes an individual reality. Humans desire a meaningful and transformative relationship. The facts become personal through faith and intimacy with God grows as our faith does.
Purposeful: It reside in truth and ______________ (5-6). Enjoying our relationship with God necessitates being where He is, and He never leaves the light. Being His children, we have a new nature fro Him which draws us i deeper. If we want to know Him, we must be like Him (1 John 3:2). By being like Him we not only enrich our own lives, but we also bear His goodness to others. We begin to want others to love our God, as well as for them to experience His love.
Humble: It requires _______________ and remembrance (7-10). As we strive to be in the light, we are to be ever aware of our fallen flesh. We must not deceive ourselves into thinking our struggle is over. Such misguided thinking can lead to spiritual defeat when we sin (Rom. 7:24), but it can also lead to an arrogant attitude that hurts others.