I. Message of eternal life 1:1-4
II. Foundation principles 1:5-2:11
A. Principles for fellowship with God 1:5-2:2
B. Principles for knowing God 2:3-11
III. Purpose of the letter 2:12-27
A. Motivations for John to write the letter 2:12-14
B. Love of the world versus love for God 2:15-17
C. The antichrist's denial that Jesus is the Christ 2:18-23
D. Abiding in God's word 2:24-27
IV. God's righteousness 2:28-4:6
A. Righteous living and abiding in God 2:28-3:3
B. Two classes of people: the righteous and the wicked 3:4-9
C. Two families: the children of God versus the children
of the devil 3:10-15
D. Love and obedience: an indicator of belonging to
Christ 3:16-23
E. Orthodox confession: an indicator of belonging to
Christ 3:24-4:6
V. God's love 4:7-5:13
A. Love an indicator of a relationship with God 4:7-16
B. Mature love and assurance of salvation 4:17-19
C. The relationship between love for God and love for
others 4:20-5:5
D. The Father's witness of Jesus 5:6-13
VI. Prayer and knowledge 5:14-21
A. Assurance produces confidence and concern in prayer 5:14-17
B. Proper knowledge 5:18-21
