Outlines of Books of the Bible

I. INTRODUCTION (1:1–4)

II. GOD IS LIGHT AND THERE IS NO DARKNESS IN HIM (1:5—3:10)

A. How to Have Fellowship with God (1:5—2:2) – “God ls light” is key statement for 1:5—3:10

Summary Statement: Light (1:5)

1. Fellowship with God Is Fellowship in Light (1:5–7)

1:6—2:1 begin a series of “if” clauses. These divide into pairs of “If we say” followed by a negative statement that possibly represents the claims of the secessionists and their results (vv. 6, 8, 10). Other pairs are “but if we” (1:7), “if we” (1:9), “and if” (2:1). These are positive statements that reflect the counter claims of the author.

The three negative apodoses are intended to bring out the implications of following the opponents teaching. The three positive apodoses statements are intended to bring out the implication of following orthodox (apostolic) teaching of the author.[1]

a) Claim #1 – Those in Darkness (1:6)[2]                     b) Counter-claim #1 – Cleansed (1:7)[3]

2. Fellowship with God is Fellowship Absent from Sin (1:8—2:2)

a) Claim #2. – Those in Deception (1:8)                    b) Counter-claim #2 – Confessing (1:9)

c) Claim #3 – Those Who Defame God (1:10)          d) Counter-claim #3 – Conquering (2:1a)

B. How We Have Intimate Knowledge of God (2:3–11). This section has three requirements to have intimate knowledge of God. “The one who says” ho legon / ὁ λέγων at the beginning of 2:4, 6, 9 are three participles— are claims that indirectly reference the claim of John’s opponents. Each of these claims draw on the immediately preceded theme. For example, 2:4a is from 2:3, 2:6a is from 2:5, 2:9a from 2:8

1. By Keeping His Word (vv. 3–5) – Obedient Love

2. By Walking as Jesus Walked in His Light (vv. 6–8) – Abiding Love

3. By Loving His Brothers (vv. 9–11) – Light Love

C. How We Have a Relationship with God (2:12–17). This section gives John’s readers assurance that they are known by God. In this section John is addressing his readers with words of assurance.

1. By Being God’s Children, Not Children of the Evil One (vv. 12–14). These three verses assure John’s readers of their salvation.  

2. By Loving His Father, and Not the World (vv. 15–17). These three verses urge John’s readers to reject an evil love of the world.

D. How to Maintain that Relationship in the Future (2:18–27). This section gives strong concerns of the secessionist opponents.

1. An Anti-Christ is Coming (vv. 18–19)

2. An Anointing Has Occurred (vv. 20–23)

3. An Abiding to What Was Taught (vv. 24–26)

4. An Appeal to Continue in What Was Taught (v. 27)

E. How to Be Prepared for the Coming of Christ (2:28—3:10)

1. Abide in Him and Practice Righteousness (2:28–29)

2. Purify Yourselves in Preparation for Purity (3:1–3)

3. Practice Righteousness While Purging Evil from Your Life (3:4–8)

4. Born of God Means Being a Good Person (3:9–10)

III. WE ARE GODLY AND THERE IS NO DARKNESS IN US (3:11—5:12)

A. Commands for Love (3:11–24)

1. Love One Another Thoughtfully (vv. 11–12)

2. Love One Another Tangibly by Sacrificing and Giving (vv. 13–17)

3. Love One Another Tenaciously by Keeping God’s Commands (vv. 18–24)

B. Cautions for Life (4:1–6)

1. How to Test Spirits (vv. 1–3)

2. How to Listen to God (vv. 4–6)

C. Conditions for Godliness (4:7—5:4a)

1. God’s Character of Love (4:7–10)

2. God’s Command of Love (4:11–16a)

3. God’s Continual Love (4:16b–19)

4. God’s Children of Love (4:20—5:4a)

D. Characteristics of God (5:4b–12)

1. Task and the Work on Christ (vv. 4b–8)

2. Testimony and The Witness of God Concerning the Son (vv. 9–12)

IV. CONCLUSION (5:13–21)

A. Assurance of Christian Life that Is Eternal (5:13)

B. Applications of Christian Life That Is Eternal (5:14–21)

1. Consistent Prayer and Omission of Sin (vv. 14–17)

2. Birth of God and Distance from Evil (vv. 18–21)

Gnosticism. Denied the essential truth of the incarnation that Christ came in the flesh. It saw matter as evil and spirit as good. They believed in the deliverance of the flesh by acquiring knowledge. Gnosticism comes from the Greek word, ginoscow, “to know.” This doctrine of Gnosticism is combatted in 1 Jn 2:22; 4:3. The Gnostics believed that since all matter was evil, Jesus did not come in the flesh. Thus, they rejected the doctrine of Jesus as the god-man. It is possible, based on 1 John 1:6, 9, that the Gnostics believed they had achieved a level of sinlessness. Or like some later Gnostics, that they believed the sins they committed were not sinful.[4]

Docetism. Believed Jesus’ humanity was not real. Said Jesus only appeared to have a physical body. Comes from Greek word, dokeo, “to seem” or “to appear.” It was a branch of Gnosticism. Also rejected the incarnation. Believed the Christ—who was good—could not become flesh because flesh was bad. Also combatted in 2:22; 4:3. They said Jesus only appeared to be a man or only seemed to be a man. Was taught by Saturnius who said Jesus was without birth, without body, and without figure. 

Cerinthianism. Taught that Jesus was only a man, that the divine Christ descended on Jesus at baptism, that the divine Christ left Jesus at crucifixion. Possibly combatted in 2:23ff; 5:6. Cerinthus was an Egyptian man that came to Ephesus and was an opponent of John.[5]

Genre of the Letter

You might have noticed this letter is not a typical NT letter like Paul, Peter, James, Heb, Jude, or 1/2 Jn.

1 Jn does not conform to the normal structure of New Testament letters. There’s no greeting, no personal name, no thanksgiving, no conclusion/introduction.

Audience of the Letter People that were part of the church, in Ephesus within Asia Minor. See 1 Jn 2:12–14, 20–21, 27; 3:1–2, 13, 18; 4:1, 4, 7, 11; 5:13. But some have left the church (Jn 2:18–19, 22; 4:3).

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[1] Harris, 1, 2, 3 John, 60–61.

[2] Claim titles are from MacArthur, 1, 2, 3 John, 28–30.

[3] Counter-claim titles are from MacArthur, 1, 2, 3 John, 36–41.

[4] Keener, Bible Background Commentary, 708.

[5] Carson & Moo, Introduction to the NT, 679.

[1] This outlined is based on the structure of 1 John articulated in W. Hall Harris’s commentary, 1, 2, 3 John: Comfort and Counsel for a Church in Crisis, 2nd edition (Biblical Studies Press, 2003).

I. GREETING BELIEVERS (vv. 1-4)

A. Greeting (vv. 1-2)

B. Purpose (v. 3)

1. Faith.

2. Contend.

C. Warning (v. 4)

1. Creeping.  

2. Grace as Motivation for Sin.

3. Jesus Not as Master and Lord.

II. EXPOSING FALSE TEACHERS (vv. 5-16)

A. Past Examples of Apostates (vv. 5-7)

1. Egypt (v. 5).

2. Angels (v. 6).

3. Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 7).

B. Present Actions of Apostates (vv. 8-16)

1. They Reject Authority (vv. 8-10)

Dreams (v. 8).

Michael (v. 9).

Revile (v. 10).

2. They Walk in Error (v. 11).

Cain

Balaam

Korah

3. They Lead Falsely (vv. 12-13).

4. They Please Themselves (vv. 14-16)

III. ENCOURAGING TRUE BELIEVERS (vv. 17-23)

A. Prediction That the False Teachers Would Come (vv. 17-19)

1. Transition.

2. Apostles.

3. False Teachers’ Work.

4. Their Time.

B. Practices Once the False Teachers Arrive (vv. 20-23)[1]

1. Practices Among Ourselves (vv. 20-21).

Building (20a).

Praying (20b).

Waiting (v. 21b).

2. Practices Toward Others (vv. 22-23)

Mercy on the Doubting (v. 22).

Save the Lost (v. 23a).

Show Mercy with Fear (v. 23b).

IV. GOODBYE BENEDICTION (vv. 24-25)

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[1] vv. 20-21 spiritual disciplines; vv. 22-23 pastoral needs

I. DIVINE ORACLE (v. 1)

A. The Nature

B. The Source

C. The Man

D. The Timing

II. DESTRUCTION OF EDOM (vv. 2-14)

A. The Manner of God’s Condemnation (vv. 2-9).

1. Edom’s Pride Thwarted (vv. 2-4)

2. Edom’s Wealth Plundered (vv. 5-7)

Deeds.

Name.

Enemies.

3. Edom’s People Slaughtered (vv. 8-10)

The Day (v. 8).

The Deeds (v. 9).

The Disaster (v. 10).

B. The Motivation for God’s Condemnation (vv. 10-14)

1. Edom’s Sinful Attitudes (vv. 10-11).

2. Edom’s Sinful Actions (vv. 12-14)

3. Edom’s Sad Downfall

III. DELIVERANCE OF ISRAEL (vv. 15-20)

A. The Day of the Lord (vv. 15-16)

1. Climax (v. 15a).

2. Theology (v. 15b-16).

B. The Deliverances of the Lord’s People (vv. 17-18)

1. Zion.

2. Jacob.

3. Joseph.

C. The Defeat of the Lord’s Enemies (vv. 19-20)

IV. DIVINE DECLARATION (v. 21)

I. GREETING (vv. 1-3)

A. The People (vv.1-2b)

1. Timothy (v. 1).

2. Philemon (v. 1).

3. Apphia (v. 2a). Possibly Phlm’s wife.

4. Archippus (v. 2b). Possibly Phlm’s son.

B. The Church (v. 2c)

C. The Common Way to Start Letters in Roman Empire

1. Writer announces himself (v. 1a)

2. Writer states identity of recipient (vv. 1b-2)

3. Writer offers a greeting (v. 3)

II. APPLAUSE (vv. 4-7)

A. In Prayer (v. 4)

B. In Actions (v. 5)

2. Where Philemon Directs It.

C. In Effects (v. 6-7)

III. APPEAL (vv. 8-17)

A. The Earthly Problem (vv. 8-14, 17)

1. Paul’s Reason (v. 8).

2. Paul’s Request (vv. 9-10a, 17)

Appeal.

Age.

Acceptance.

3. Paul’s Son (v. 10b-11)

The Person Onesimus (v. 10b).

The Problem Onesimus.

The Change of Onesimus (v. 11).

4. Paul’s Consideration (vv. 12-14).

B. The Heavenly Provision (vv. 15-16)

1. God’s Plan (v. 15)

2. Onesimus’s Position (v. 16)

Emancipation from Slavery to Freedom.

Restoration back to Good Relationship.

IV. ACCOUNT (vv. 18-21)

A. The Offer (v. 18)

1. Problem.

2. Solution.

B. The Authenticity (v. 19)

C. The Hope (vv. 20-21)

V. GOODBYE (vv. 22-25)

I.    GAUIS[1] IS COMMENDED (vv. 1-8)

A. Greeting (v. 1)

1. The Elder (v. 1a).

2. Gauis (v. 1b).

B. Godly Life (vv. 2-4)

1. Beloved (v. 2).

2. Brethren (v. 3).

3. Walking in the Truth (vv. 3b-4).

C. Generosity (vv. 5-8)

1. Toward Parishioners and Travelers (v. 5).

2. Testimony – As Described by the Church (v. 6a).

3. Tension – As There is a Need (v. 7).

4. Task – What They Ought to Continue Doing (vv. 6b, 8).

II. DIOTREPHES IS CONDEMNED (vv. 9-10)

A. Ambition (v. 9b).

B. Activities (vv. 9a, 9c, 10)

1. He Disregarded John’s Instruction.

2. He Dished Out Dirt about John.

3. He Denied Hospitality to Traveling Missionaries.

4. He Disciplined Others That Did Want to Show Hospitality to Traveling Missionaries.

III. DEMETRIUS IS COMPLIMENTED (vv. 11-12)

A. The Caution (v. 11b).

B. The Command (v. 11a)

C. The Case (READ v. 12)

IV. JOHN IS COMING (vv. 13-15)

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[1] This Gaius was not ass. w/Gaius of Corinth (1 Cor 1:14; Rom 16:23) or Gaius of Macedonia (Acts 19:29) or Gaius of Derbe (Acts 20:4). (Moo and Carson, An Introduction to the NT, 677)

I. COMMENCEMENT (vv. 1-3)

A. Author (v. 1a)

B. Address (v. 1b)

C. Greeting (vv. 2-3)

II. COMMENDATION (vv. 4-6)

A. Truth (v. 4)

B. Love (vv. 5-6).

III. CAUTION (vv. 7-11)

A. Stating the Danger (v. 7, 9)

1. Who They Are (v. 7a).

2. What They Teach (v. 7b).

3. How They Are Labeled (v. 7c).

4. Where They Have Gone Astray (v. 9).

B. Succumbing to the Danger (v. 8).  

C. Stopping the Danger (vv. 10-11).

IV. CONCLUSION (vv. 12-13)

A. Genuine Fellowship (v. 12)

B. Genuine Friendship (v. 13)

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)

I. LIFE IN THE SON (1:3-2:10)

II. LIFE IN SOCEITY (2:11-3:12)

III. LIFE IN SUFFERING (3:13-4:19)

IV. LIFE IN SERVICE (5:1-11)

CONCLUSION (5:12-14)

I.          THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST (1)

A.        A Brief Introduction to John’s Letter (1:1-3)

B.        John’s Greeting to the Seven Churches (1:4-8)

C.        John’s Vision of the Son of Man  (1:9-20)

1.         John was on the island of Patmos when he heard a loud voice (vv. 9-11).

2.         John realized that the voice was the Son of Man (vv. 12-16).

3.         The Son of Man told John to write down the things he had seen, what was happening, and what would happen in the future (vv. 17-20)

II.        THE LETTERS OF JESUS CHRIST (2-3)

A.        The Letter to the Church at Ephesus (2:1-7)

B.        The Letter to the Angel of the Church in Smyrna (2:8-11)

C.        The Letter to the Angle of the Church in Peragmum (2:12-17)

D.        The Letter to the Angel of the Church at Thyatira (2:18-29)

E.        The Letter to the Angel of the Church in Sardis (3:1-6)

F.         The Letter to the Angel of the Church of Philadelphia (3:7-13)

G.        The Letter to the Angel of the Church of Laodicea (3:14-22)

III.       THE JUDGEMENT, RETURN, AND REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST (4:1-19:10)

A.        John Taken to Heaven (4)

B.        The One Worthy to Open the Scroll (5)

C.        The Lamb Breaks the Six Seals (6)

D.        God’s People Preserved (7)

E.        The Lamb Breaks the Seventh Seal (8:1-5)

F.         The Six Trumpets (8:6-9:21)

G.        The Angel and the Small Scroll (10)

H.        The Two Witnesses (11:1-14)

I.          The Seventh Angel Blows His Trumpet (11:15-19)

J.         The Woman and the Dragon (12)

K.        The Beast of the Sea and the Beast of the Earth (13)

L.        The Lamb with 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of the Earth (14)

M.       The Song of Moses (15:1-4)

N.        The Seven Bowels of the Seven Plagues (15:5-16:21)

O.        The City of Babylon (17-18)

P.         The Songs of Victory in Heaven (19:1-10)

IV.       THE RETURN AND REIGN OF CHRIST (19:11-20:15)

A.        The Return of Christ (19:11-21)

B.        The Reign of Christ (20:1-10)

C.        The Final Judgement (20:11-15)

V.        THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (21-22)

A.        The New Jerusalem (21:1-22:6)

B.        A Summary and Reminder that Jesus Is Coming (22:7-21)

 HABAKKUK’S PROBLEMS (1)

 Introduction (v. 1)

 Habakkuk’s 1^st Question (vv. 2-4) – God’s inactivity: “How long will evil continue & when will you stop it?“

 God’s 1^st Answer (vv. 5-11) –“I’m going to stop it, I know what’s going on, and you’ll be surprised how.”

 Habakkuk’s 2^nd Question (1:12-2:1) –God’s inconsistency: “Why use greater sinners against less sinners”

HABAKKUK’S PATIENCE (2)

 God’s 2^nd Answer (vv. 2-20) [19v]-“I have a plan for the future, a message for the faithful, and punishment planned for the Babylonians.”

HABAKKUK’S PRAISE (3)

 The Message of God (vv. 1-2) [2v]

 The Majesty of God (vv. 3-15) [14v]

 The Meaning of God (vv. 16-19) [4v]

I.          PAUL’S GREETING, LIFE PURPOSE, AND GOAL FOR BELIEVERS (1:1-30)

                        A.         Paul’s Introduction (1:1-11)

1.         Greetings from Paul (1:1-4)

                                    2.         Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer (1:5-11)

                        B.        Paul’s Joy about Christ Being Preached (1:12-18)

                                    1.         Paul’s imprisonment had been fruitful to spread the Good News (1:12-14).

                                    2.         Some people were preaching without pure motives (1:15-17).

                                    3.         But, Paul didn’t care about motives (1:18).

                        C.        Paul’s Life for Christ (1:19-26)

1.         Paul would never be ashamed because he lived for Christ (1:19-21).

2.         Paul was torn between living and dying, but he wanted to live for the sake of the Philippians (1:22-24).

3.         Paul remained to help the Philippians and take joy in what Christ was doing through him (1:25-26).

                        D.        Live as Citizens of Heaven (1:27-30)

1.         Paul told them to live as citizens of heaven as one body and don’t be intimidated by enemies (1:27-28).

2.         The Philippians had been given a struggle to share which we are in the midst of (1:29-30).

II.        THE CHRISTIAN LIFE THEY SHOULD HAVE (2:1-30)

                        A.        Focus on Others (2:1-4)

                                    1.         What was the result of Christ’s work (2:1-2)?

                                    2.         Be humble and look out for others (2:3-4)

                        B.        Have the Same Attitude as Christ (2:5-11)

                                    1.         Christ’s Humility – Have the same attitude that Christ had (2:5-8).

2.         Christ’s Exaltation – God elevated Jesus back up high for others to worship him (2:9-11).

                        C.        Shine Brightly for Christ (2:12-18)

                                    1.         Work hard for God is working in you (2:12-13).

2.         Don’t complain, live cleanly, shine bright, and hold on to the word of life (2:14-16).

                                    3.         Paul rejoiced because of his life poured out for others (2:17-18).

                        D.        Applause for Timothy (2:19-24)

1.         If God allowed, Paul hoped to send Timothy because no one was like Timothy (2:19-20).

                                    2.         While others cared only for themselves, Timothy served others (2:21-22).

                                    3.         Paul hoped to send Timothy and maybe even visit Philippi too (2:23-24).

                        E.        Applause for Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

1.         Paul sent Epaphroditus back to the Philippians as Epaphroditus longed for them and had been ill (2:25-27).

                                    2.         Paul would send him back because Epaphroditus risked his life (2:28-30).

III.       PAUL’S PAST AND THE FUTURE GOAL FOR CHRISTIANS (3:1-21)

                        A.        Paul’s Heritage and Confidence in Jesus (3:1-6)

1.         The Philippians should Rejoice in the Lord focusing on what Christ had done for us (3:1-3).

                                    2.         Paul had strong self-confidence (3:4).

3.         Paul’s heritage was a Pharisee, Benjaminite, zealous persecutor, and person obedient to the law (3:5-6).

B.        Righteousness through Christ (3:7-11)

1.         Yet, it all was worthless because of what Christ had done because righteousness was based on faith (3:7-9).

2.         Paul wanted to experience the resurrection from the dead by sharing in Christ’s sufferings and death (3:10-11).

                        C.        Perfection Not Yet Reached (3:12-16)

                                    1.         Perfection was not yet received, but Paul continued on (3:2-14).

2.         If disagreement occurs, we must hold to the progress we have already made (3:15-16).

                        D.        Living as Citizens of Heaven (3:17-21)      

                                    1.         Follow Paul’s example (3:17).

                                    2.         There are people who are headed for destruction (3:18-19).

                                    3.         There are people who are headed for heaven (3:20-21)

IV.       PUTTING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE TOGETHER (4:1-23)

                        A.        Harmony and Joy Among Believers (4:1-5)

                                    1.         Stay true to the LORD (4:1).

                                    2.         Euodia and Syntyche need to settle their disagreements (4:2-3).

                                    3.         Always be full of joy and let others see it (4:4-5).

                        B.        Direct Instructions for the Christian Life (4:6-9)

                                    4.         Don’t worry but instead pray and have peace (4:6-7).

                                    5.         Focus their thoughts on excellent things that are worthy of praise (4:8-9).

                        C.        Paul’s Gratefulness for What Little He Had (4:10-17)

                                    1.         Paul was grateful that they were concerned about him (4:10).

                                    2.         Paul had learned to be content with what little he had (4:11-12).

3.         Paul could live without anything because of Christ’s strength, yet he was still grateful to the Philippians for their support (4:13-14).

4.         Paul wanted the Philippians to receive a reward for their kindness to him (4:15-17).

                        C.        Sweet Smelling Sacrifices and the Security of the Saints (4:18-23)

                                    1.         Paul had all that he needed (4:18-19).

                                    2.         All glory was to the Father (4:20).

                                    3.         A Final Greeting (4:21-23)

I.             FOLLOWING GOD’S LAW (ch. 1-3)

                A.            Paul’s Past in Religion (1)

                                1.             Substance of the Gospel (vv. 1-10)

                                                a)            Greetings (1-5)

                                                b)            Good News (6-9)

                                                c)             Goal (10)

                                2.             Source of the Gospel (vv. 11-24)

                                                a)            From Jesus (11-12)

                                                b)            From Judaism (13-14)

                                                c)             From Jehovah God (15-17)

                                                d)            From Jerusalem (18-20)

                                                d)            From Judah (21-24)

                B.            Paul’s Preparation for Ministry (chapter 2)

                                1.             Meeting with Church Leaders (verses 1-10)

                                                a)            Agreement from Leaders (1-3)

                                                b)            Disagreement from False Brothers (4-5)

                                                c)             Encouragement from Leaders (6-10)

                                2.             Meeting with the Church Leader (verses 11-21)

                                                a)            Peter’s Conforming (11-13)

                                                b)            Peter’s Confrontation (14-16)

                                                c)             Peter’s Correction (17-21)

                C.            Paul’s Preaching on Faith and Abraham (chapter 3)[1]

                                1.             Abraham’s Faith: Saved Because of Faith (3:1-9)

                                2.             Abraham’s Seed: Saved Because of One Man/Father (3:10-18)

                                3.             Abraham’s Descendants: Saved Because of One Son (3:19-29)

II.            FOLLOWING GOD’S SON AND HOLY SPIRIT (ch. 4-6)

                A.            Christ’s Children (4)

                                1.             At One Time (4:1-11)

                                                a)            Slaves to this World (1-3)

                                                b)            Slaves Freed by the Son (4-7)

                                                c)             Slaves to Other gods (8-11)

                                2.             At Paul’s Time with Them (4:12-20)

                                                a)            Free from the Law (12-13)

                                                b)            Free to Do What is Right (14-16)

                                                c)             Free from False Teachers (17-20)

                                3.             At Abraham’s Time (4:21-31)

                                                a)            Abraham’s Two Sons (21-23)

                                                b)            Abraham’s Two Women (24-27)

                                                c)             Abraham’s Two Descendants (28-31)

                B.            Christ’s Fruit (5)

                                1.             Old vs. New (5:1-6)

                                                a)            Through Christ (1)

                                                b)            Through Circumcision (2-4)

                                                c)             Through the Spirit (5-6)

                                2.             Past vs. Present (5:7-15)

                                                a)            Their Struggle (7-10)

                                                b)            Paul’s Striving (11-12)

                                                c)             Out Goal/Target (13-15)

                                3.             Flesh vs. Spirit (5:16-26)

                                                a)            The Goal (16-18)

                                                b)            The Deeds of the Flesh (19-21)

                                                c)             The Duty of the Spirit (22-24)

                                                d)            The Way We Live (25-26)

                C.            Christ’s Harvest/Community (6)

                                1.             Giving Help to Fallen Brothers (6:1-5)

                                                a)            Be Gentle (1)

                                                b)            Be Realistic (2-3)

                                                c)             Be Focused (4-5)

                                2.             Giving Help to Believers (6:6-10)

                                                a)            Giving to Teachers of the Word (6)

                                                b)            Sowing Good (7-9)

                                                c)             Giving to Those in the Household (10)

                                3.             Giving Help to the Gospel (6:11-18)

                                                a)            Personal Appeal (11)

                                                b)            Position of the Gospel (12-16)

                                                c)             Passion for Christ (17-18)

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[1] 1. The Law and Faith in Christ (3:1-14): a) Belief Brings the Holy Spirit (1-5), b) Belief Gives Righteousness (6-9), c) Belief Removes the Curse (10-14). 2. The Law and God’s Promise to Abraham (3:15-29): a) What Promise Was Given to Abraham (15-18), b)  Why the Law Was Given (19-23), c)          Who God’s People Are (24-29).

I.          DESCRIBING JESUS (1-4)

A.        His Arrival (1)

1.         The Testimony of Jesus (vv. 1-18)

2.         The Testimony of John (vv. 19-34)

3.         The Testimony of the Disciples (vv. 35-51)

B.        His Travels (2)

1.         To Turn Water into Wine (vv. 1-12)

            SIGN #1 – Turning Water Into Wine (vv. 1-12)

2.         To Whip the Waiters (vv. 13-25)

C.        His Talks (3)

1.         A Discussion with Nicodemus (vv. 1-21)

            DISCOURSE #1 – A Talk with Nicodemus About the Son as Savior (vv. 1-21)

2.         A Discussion with the Disciples (vv. 22-46)

D.        His Stops (4)

1.         To Talk with the Woman at the Well (vv. 1-42)

            DISCOURSE #2 – A Talk with the Woman at the Well about the Water of Life (vv. 1-26)

2.         To Heal the Royal Official’s Son (vv. 43-54)

            SIGN #2 – Healing the Royal Official’s Son (vv. 43-54)

II.        QUESTIONING JESUS (5-12)

A.        His Claims (5)

1.         As Equal with God the Father (vv. 1-18)

            SIGN #3 – Healing a Lame Man Near the Pool

2.         As Dependent on God the Father (vv. 19-31)[1]

            DISCOURSE #3 – A Talk with the Jews about Equality with God the Father (vv. 19-30)

3.         As Sent from God the Father (vv. 32-47)

B.        His Signs (6)[2]

1.         Feeding the People (vv. 1-14)

            SIGN #4 – Feeding 5,000 People (vv. 1-14)

2.         Traveling in a Boat (vv. 15-21)

            SIGN #5 – Calming the Waters (vv. 15-21)

3.         Looking for Jesus (vv. 22-25)

            DISCOURSE #4 – A Talk with the Crowd about Jesus as the Bread of Life (vv. 22-59)

            I AM #1 – The Bread of Life (6:35)

4.         Talking with Jesus (vv. 26-40)

5.         Disagreeing with Jesus (vv. 41-71)

C.        His Travels (7)

1.         Encountering More Trouble (vv. 1-24)

2.         Encountering More Questions (vv. 25-53)[3]

D.        His Teachings/Example (8)

1.         The One that Forgives Sins (vv. 1-11)

            I AM #2 – The Light of the World (8:12)

2.         The One Light that Shines (vv. 12-30)

            DISCOURSE #5 – A Talk with the Crowd about Jesus as the Light of the World (vv. 12-58)

3.         The One that Is God and Came from God (vv. 31-59)

E.         His Miracles (9)

1.         Healing a Blind Man  (vv. 1-24)

2.         Defending the Healing of a Blind Man (vv. 25-41)

            SIGN #6: The Healing of the Blind Man (9:1-41)

F.         His Commitments (10)

1.         As the Good Shepherd (vv. 1-21)

            DISCOURSE #6 – A Talk with the Crowd about Jesus as the Good Shepherd (vv. 1-18)

            I AM #3: The Door (v. 7, 9)

            I AM #4: The Good Shepherd (vv. 11, 14)

2.         As the God-Sent Man (vv. 22-41)

G.        His Work (11)[4]

1.         Raising Lazarus from Death (vv. 1-44)

            SIGN #7: The Healing of Lazarus from the Dead (11:1-44)

            I AM #5: The Resurrection and the Life (11:25)

2.         Revising the Plan for Jesus’s Death (vv. 45-57)

H.        His Honor (12)

1.         Private Preparations (vv. 1-11)

2.         Public Praise (vv. 12-19)

3.         Problems in Parts (vv. 20-50)

III.       CONFIRMING JESUS (13-17)

A.        In Service (13)[5]

1.         Washing Others Feet (vv. 1-20)

2.         Wondering Who Will Betray (vv. 21-38)

            DISCOURSE #7 – A Talk with the Disciples about Jesus’s Body and Blood (13:31-14:31)

B.        In Community (14)

1.         The Works of the Father (vv. 1-14)

            I AM #6: The Way, the Truth, and the Life (v. 6)

2.         The Ways of the Holy Spirit (vv. 15-31)

C.        In Commitments (15)[6]

1.         Abiding in the Vine for Fruit (vv. 1-11)

            I AM #7: The True Vine (v. 1)

2.         Abiding in the Vine for Love (vv. 12-17)

3.         Abiding in the Vine against Discrimination (vv. 18-27)

D.        In Predictions (16)

E.         In Truth (17)

IV.       KILLING JESUS (18-19)

A.        The Arrest of Jesus (18)[7]

1.         Approaching Jesus (vv. 1-11)

2.         Taking Jesus (vv. 12-18)

3.         Questioning Jesus (vv. 19-27)

4.         Accusing Jesus (vv. 28-40)

B.        The Death of Jesus (19)

1.         Up for Trial (vv. 1-16)

2.         On the Cross (vv. 17-31)

3.         In the Grave (vv. 32-42)

V.        RAISING JESUS (20-21)

A.        The Resurrection of Jesus (20)[8]

1.         Looking for Jesus (1-10)

2.         Finding Jesus (vv. 11-18)

3.         Believing in Jesus (vv. 19-31)

B.        The Commission of Jesus (21)

1.         To Seven Disciples (vv. 1-14)

2.         To Peter and John (vv. 15-25)

Here’s another outline I’ve developed

PRESENTATION (ch. 1-4)

CONFRONTATION (ch. 5-12)

PREPARATION (ch. 13-17)

CRUXIFICTION (ch. 18-19)

RESURRECTION (ch. 20-21)

Or

POINTING TO THE CHRIST (ch. 1-4)

PROBLEMS FOR THE CHRIST (ch. 5-12)

PREPARATION FOR THE CHRIST (ch. 13-17)

PLACEMENT ON THE CROSS (ch. 18-19)

PREPARATION FOR HEAVEN (ch. 20-21)

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[1] I. THE JUDGE (vv. 19-20, 30-31), II. THE COURTROOM (vv. 21-23), III. THE PLEA DEAL (vv. 24), IV. THE VERDICT (vv. 25-29)

[2] Might be better to divide it as vv.1-21, vv. 22-40, vv. 41-31 or vv. 1-15, vv. 16-40, vv. 41-71

[3] Preach and teach this as one sermon (7:53-8:11)

[4] Maybe outline as 11:45-12:8, 12:9-19, 12:20-50

[5] There are many ways to outline these chapters. Swindoll outlines it as vv. 1-17, vv. 18-30, vv. 31-38. Wiersbe outlines 13:1-35, 13:36-4:31. Others follow this pattern: 13:1-20, 13:21-35, 13:36-14:31. Or this way: 13:1-20, 13:21-35, 13:36-14:4, 14:5-7, 8-21, 14:22-31.

[6] I like these headings: The World’s Hatred (15:18-16:4), The Spirit’s Work (16:5-15), The Future Changes (16:16-33)

[7] Or divide it as vv.1-18 and vv. 19-40

[8] Or divide it as vv. 1-18 and vv. 19-31

I. PRAISE (1-3)

A. Existing Church (1)

1. Greetings (vv. 1-2)

2. Gratitude (vv. 3-10)

For Their Labor (vv. 3-5)

For Their Acceptance of the Gospel (vv. 6-7)

For Their Proclamation of the Gospel (v. 8)

For Their Living out the Gospel (vv. 9-10)

B. Excellent Church (2)

1. Word Work (vv. 1-8)

Preaching Is Not Pointless (v. 1)                   

Preaching In Persecution (v. 2)

Preaching In Pure Motives (vv. 3-4)             

Preaching with Practical Words (vv. 5-6)

Preaching in Tenderness and Compassion (vv. 7-8)

2. Deed Work (vv. 9-16)

Independence in Finances/Word/Provision (v. 9)

Instigation in Personal Conduct (vv. 10-12)

Imitation in Corporate Gathering (vv. 13-16)

3. Absent Work (vv. 17-20)

Desire (v. 17)            

Prevention (v. 18)                  

Goal (v. 19)                

Motivation (v. 20)

C. Enduring Church (3)

1. Timothy’s Sending (vv. 1-5)

Who Was Sent (vv. 1-2)                                

Why He Was Sent (v. 3)

What He Was Sent to Say (v. 4)                    

How Paul Wanted It to End (v. 5)

2. Timothy’s Reporting (vv. 6-8)

What He Was Told (v. 6)                  

What It Did (v. 7)                  

How It Affects Them (v. 8)

3. Timothy’s Positive News (vv. 9-13)

Caused Paul to Rejoice (vv. 9-10)                             

Caused Paul to Exhort (vv. 11-13)

II. PUSH (4-5)

A.  Expectant Church (4)

1. Living in Purity (vv. 1-8)

Generally (vv. 1-2)                            

Specifically (vv. 3-7)                         

Generally (v. 8)

2. Living in Love (vv. 9-12)

Keep Getting Along w/Each Other Well (vv. 9-10)              

Keep Loving Outsiders Well Too (vv. 11-12)

3. Living in Hope (vv.13-18)

B.  Exempt Church (5)

1. Ready for the Return of the Lord (vv. 1-11)

The Suddenness of the Rapture (vv. 1-3)                  

The Sons of the Rapture (vv. 4-5)

The Soberness Needed (vv. 6-8)                               

The Salvation of the Rapture (vv. 9-11)

2. Requests Before the Return of the Lord (vv. 12-22)

Support and Encourage Those Workers Among You (vv. 12-13)

Minister Differently to the Different People Among You (vv. 14-15)

Act Correctly Yourselves (vv. 16-22)

3. Requests by the Author (vv. 23-28)

For Preservation (v. 23)         

For Faithfulness (v. 24)         

For Prayer (v. 25)

For Greetings (v. 26)             

For Reading (v. 27)                

For Grace (v. 28)