19, 24; 4:13, 16 (“we have come to know”); 5:15, 18, 19, 20 Two of the grandest statements of the epistle are “God is light” (1:5) and “God is love” (4:8, 16) See how these two themes are referred to throughout the book 10 Observe where and how John refers to false teaching in his epistle C STRUCTURE OF JOHN Compare the opening paragraph (1:1-4) with the concluding one (5:18-21) For example, note in their context such similar terms as “eternal life.” Various attempts have been made to outline this epistle.9 Most students of this book agree that an outline is not too obvious because John’s approach is not logical and argumentative but contemplative Having stated his theme in the opening paragraph (1:1-4), John proceeds to support the theme in various ways, item added to item, until he arrives at the conclusion of his letter (5:1321) Although an outline, as such, is di cult to detect in the core of the epistle (1:5—5:12), one cannot help but feel that John reaches a turning point at 3:1, where he wants to pursue the subject of fellow-ship from a slightly di erent vantage point Read chapter again, and then read 3:1 , to see if there appears to you to be a turning point at 3:1 See Chart 116, which shows the epistle built around this turning point CHART 116: JOHN: FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND WITH HIS CHILDREN Note the outline on fellowship shown on the chart This may suggest outlines on other subjects, which you will want to develop in this survey study For example, try making an outline on the subject, “What the Christian Life Is.”10 Observe near the top of Chart 116 the two statements God is light and God is love Locate each in the text of the epistle Then go through the epistle paragraph by paragraph and see how its two main parts (1:5—2:29 and 3:1—4:21) are represented by those two statements Study the other parts of Chart 116 if you have not already done so Read the Bible text to observe how the last two segments (5:1-12 and 5:13-21) focus on the key words “believe” and “know.” Note the key words shown at the bottom of Chart 116 Add to the list other words and phrases that you may have observed in your study so far V PROMINENT SUBJECTS OF JOHN A FELLOWSHIP (1:1—2:2) Persons of the fellowship The center of John’s message is not a theological system or religious creed, but a person — Jesus Christ He is the one whom John writes about first (1:1 ff.)  ... subject, “What the Christian Life Is.”10 Observe near the top of Chart 116 the two statements God is light and God is love Locate each in the text of the epistle Then go through the epistle paragraph... Study the other parts of Chart 116 if you have not already done so Read the Bible text to observe how the last two segments (5:1-12 and 5:13-21) focus on the key words “believe” and “know.” Note the. .. shown at the bottom of Chart 116 Add to the list other words and phrases that you may have observed in your study so far V PROMINENT SUBJECTS OF JOHN A FELLOWSHIP (1:1—2:2) Persons of the fellowship