outline of 1 John

1.  Introduction:  Eternal Life Has Appeared (1:1-4)

2.  Light and Darkness (1:5-2:27)

1. Walk in the Light (1:5-2:11)

   1.  Forgiveness of Sin (1:5-10)
   2.  Keeping the Commandments (2:1-6)
   3.  Loving the Brother (2:7-11)

2. Escaping From Sin (2:12-17)

   1.  Overcoming the Wicked One (2:12-14)
   2.  Overcoming the World (2:15-17)
    

3. Counsel for the Last Hour (2:18-27)

   1.  Apostasy (2:18-21)
   2.  Denial of Christ (2:22-24)
   3.  Reminder About the Anointing (2:25-27)

3.  The Life of Righteousness (2:28-4:6)

1. The Righteousness of God's Children (2:28-3:3)
2. The Practice of Sin and the Devil (3:4-10)
3. Love Against Hate (3:11-15)
4. Love and Generosity (3:16-18)
5. Assurance (3:19-24)
6. The Spirit of God and the Antichrist (4:1-6)

4.  Love is Perfected in Us (4:7-5:12)

1. God is Love (4:7-21)
2. Belief and Obedience (5:1-12)

5.  Conclusion (5:13-21)

1. Prayer for the Sinner (5:13-17)
2. Life in God (5:18-21)