A.  Reasons for Studying 1 John

             1.  The Purposes of the Book

                          –  Address false teachings: 1 John 1:6, 1 John 4:1-2, 1 John 1:1-2

                          –  Provide full enjoyment and assurance of one’s salvation: 1 John 1:4, 1 John 5:13

                          –  Teach the foundations of the Christian life: 1 John 5:20

             2.  The foundations for growth in and walking with Christ

                          –  Fellowship with God and other Christians: 1 John 1:3

                          –  Joy in the Christian life: 1 John 1:4

                          –  Character of God: 1 John 1:5, 1 John 4:8

                          –  Offices of Christ

                                       High Priest

                                       Ruling King

                                       Teaching Prophet

                          –  Separation from the world: 1 John 2:15

                          –  Holy living: 1 John 2:15

                          –  Love for other Christians: 1 John 3:7-9

B.  Background and Comparison

             1.  Author:  The Apostle John

             2.  Place and time the Book was written

             3.  Comparison with John’s Gospel

                          –  Love: John 13:34-35, John 17:23, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 4:7-8

                          –  Fellowship:  John 1:1-2, John 1:12, 1 John 1:3

                          –  Joy:  John 15:11, 1 John 1:4