1. THAT YOU MAY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE 1 JOHN 5:13

2. 1 John The Gospel of John is simple and profound 1 st Epistle of John is, too Themes in 1 John based on John 13-17 Darkness and light The disciples’ relation to the world The teaching of the Holy Spirit Brotherly love The promises of Jesus The plan of Jesus

3. 1 John Purpose expressed three times: 1:3 that your fellowship may be with us 5:13 that you may know that you have eternal life 1:4 that your joy may be full Provides standard of assurance of salvation [“by this you know…” “IF” Refutes false doctrine of Gnosticism – material is evil [Jesus did not become flesh], – duality [deeds done in the body don’t taint the spirit]

4. THAT YOUR FELLOWSHIP MAY BE WITH US Fellowship is based on doctrinal truth concerning the Word of Life 1:1-4 Fellowship is based on walking in the light 1:5- 2:11 Walking in the light involves not sinning 1:5-2:2 – Walking in the light involves confession 1:8-10 Walking in the light involves obedience 2:3-6 Walking in the light involves brotherly love 2:7- 11

5. THAT YOU MAY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE Written word gives assurance 2:12-14 Do not love the world 2:15-17 Beware false teachers 2:18-27 Practice righteousness 2:28-3:24 – Object of God’s love 3:1-3 – Born of God 3:4-9 – Love for brethren 3:10-23 Discern between truth and error 4:1-6

6. THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL God’s love gives assurance 4:7-5:5 Love one another 4:7-11 Believe in God’s love 4:12-5:5 God’s testimony 5:6-13 The gift of the Son 5:6,8 (blood) The gift of the Spirit 5:6,8 (Spirit) The agreement of our obedience 5:8 (water) God’s testimony greater than men’s 5:9-13 Confidence in prayer and truth 5:14-21