Purpose and Introduction of 1 John

Intro & Outline | 1:1-2:2 | 2:3-2:17 | 2:18-3:24 | 4:1-5:21

To cause us to deepen our relationship with our holy God and others.

John uses the letter of 1 John to mold our concept of God and His people. By carefully describing salvation and its results in a Christian's life, John essentially defines what a Christian is. By clarifying the borders of our faith with the elements of truth, love and light, he enables us to discern where we are in our lives and carefully sets our focus on where we should and can be.

Truth is the right concept of God, Christ and man. Love is the way we imitate Christ in kindly relating to each other. Light is the reflection of holiness stemming from Christ dwelling in us through the Spirit of God. We wouldn't want a Christianity without these three elements as John has defined them. It would no longer in fact be what Jesus Christ taught and revealed to us. Because of this, we are exhorted to make sure that what we live out in our lives is consistent with how Jesus Christ revealed Himself to us.

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Chart Outline of 1 John

A. The Creation of God’s People	B. The Confirmation of God’s People
1 John 1:1-2:2	1 John 2:3-17
The entrance into His fellowship.	The evidence of our Christian fellowship.
Entrance & Enlightenment Our views on God’s purity (Light) significantly shape our salvation and sanctification.	Assurance of our Faith We need to look beyond a simple confession to strengthen the assurance of our salvation.

C. The Characteristics of God’s People	D. The Charge to God’s People
1 John 2:18-3:24	1 John 4-5
The definition of our Christian fellowship.	The authority of our fellowship
Critical Doctrines God places a boundary around God’s people called truths or doctrines.	Facing a Tough World We overcome by demonstrating true beliefs, good relationships and righteous behavior.

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OUR MEETING WITH GOD

1 John – A Detail Outline

I.  THE CREATION OF GOD’S PEOPLE        (1 John 1:1-2:2)

                A Meeting With God

A. The Possibility of Joining this Fellowship: Incarnation of  Christ  1:1-4

B. The Process of Joining this Fellowship: Three Firm Truths 1:5-2:2

II.  THE CONFIRMATION THAT WE ARE GOD’S PEOPLE (1 John 2:3-2:17)

           The Evidence Of Christian Fellowship             

A. Crisis of Confidence:  Assurance   2:3-11

B. The Growth of Faith 2:12-14

C. Choosing between Two Loves 2:15-17

III. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S PEOPLE (1 John 2:18-3:24)

        The Definition Of Our Fellowship

A.  Right Teaching: Confessing Christ                 2:18-27

B.  Right Living: Practicing God’s righteousness    2:28-3:12

C.  Right Loving:  Practice Christ’s love      3:10b-24 

IV. THE CHARGE TO GOD’S PEOPLE (1 John 4:1-5:21)

           The Force Of Our Fellowship

A.  Let us Affirm Apostolic Teaching 4:1-6

B.  Let Us Love One Another 4:7-21

C.  Let us Overcome and Live Righteously        5:1-12

D.  Summary of Book 5:13-20

E.  ps:  The Greatest Threat To True Worship  5:21