1. The First Test of Fellowship  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:17 )

a. Understanding Christ and Sin  ( 1:1⁠–⁠10 )

i.   The Word of Life: Jesus Christ  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

ii.  Walking in the Light: View of Sin  ( 1:5⁠–⁠10 )

b. Outward Displays of Understanding  ( 2:1⁠–⁠17 )

i.   Jesus Our Advocate: Obedience  ( 2:1⁠–⁠6 )

ii.  Love Properly  ( 2:7⁠–⁠17 )

1. A New Commandment: Love One Another  ( 2:7⁠–⁠14 )

2. Do Not Love the World  ( 2:15⁠–⁠17 )

2. The Second Test of Fellowship  ( 2:18⁠–⁠3:24 )

a. Understanding Antichrists  ( 2:18⁠–⁠23 )

b. Outward Displays of Understanding  ( 2:24⁠–⁠3:24 )

i.   Remain in Christ: Do Not Be Deceived  ( 2:24⁠–⁠29 )

ii.  Children of God  ( 3:1⁠–⁠24 )

1. Practice Righteousness  ( 3:1⁠–⁠10 )

2. Love One Another  ( 3:11⁠–⁠24 )

3. The Third Test of Fellowship  ( 4:1⁠–⁠21 )

a. Testing the Spirits  ( 4:1⁠–⁠6 )

b. Outward Display of Understanding  ( 4:7⁠–⁠21 )

i.   Love Comes from God  ( 4:7⁠–⁠10 )

ii.  Love One Another  ( 4:11⁠–⁠21 )

4. The Fourth Test of Fellowship  ( 5:1⁠–⁠21 )

a. Understanding Christ’s Victory  ( 5:1⁠–⁠12 )

i.   Overcoming the World  ( 5:1⁠–⁠8 )

ii.  God’s Testimony about His Son  ( 5:9⁠–⁠12 )

b. Outward Displays of Understanding  ( 5:13⁠–⁠21 )

i.   Effective Prayer  ( 5:13⁠–⁠17 )

ii.  The True God  ( 5:18⁠–⁠21 )