About 15 minutes reading through this, the first of John's epistles today.
As in the gospel he wrote, John doesn't explicitly identify himself in this letter, but his style is characteristic throughout the letter, and there is no other person who could write like this and expect to be accepted without identifying himself (John was the last of the apostles to die, and this was probably written after all the others had died).
Love is the most prominent theme throughout the letter. Mentioned 52 times, this is one of the reasons the apostle John is known as the apostle of love. There is a second theme that also pervades the whole book - the black and white nature of Christianity. Possibly no other author in the New Testament so sharply draws the line between those for God and those against God - you are in either one camp or the other. Hence the emphasis on love is paramount - the firmness of the division must be related, but it must always be kept in the perspective of the love of Christ, which characterises the true Church of God.
John appears to be countering false teachers - but never directly addresses them. Unlike Paul, who argues with their points head on, John counters false teaching by simply affirming and repeating the truth - and showing us ways to test whether people are false, or whether from God.
He begins with the assurance of his knowledge - his assurance of God, and quickly leads into the purity and absolute righteousness of God, which righteousness we have been granted judicially by Christ's death (not that we can claim not to have sinned, but we have the privilege of having our sins forgiven). Having been forgiven, the love we receive from God works out in our lives, and we desire to keep his commands - if we do not, it is proof we do not know the love of God. We may still sin, but in this case Jesus advocates for us (speaks for us), and sins is no longer characteristic of us.
The command to love is not new, is has been God's standard for all ages. It has always been and will continue to be characteristic of God's people. John continues by emphasising the growth of a believer from 'little children' to 'young men' to 'fathers' - showing people maturing spiritually. And then the love of Christ is contrasted with the love for the world (fleshly desires, coveting with eyes, pride).
Leading on to deal more specifically with false teachers, John shows that it is better for false teachers to be shown as frauds and leave, rather remain and appear to be Christians. He gives a few test that we might know them by. He goes on to talk again of the confidence we have in Christ, and the love He has given us before emphasizing again that a believer is not characterised by sin - only unbelievers. New believers he addresses particularly in this area, because they are more susceptible to being deceived, but he urges them to recognise this that they be not deceived.
John emphasizes love again, contrasting the example of Cain with Christ, and linking again the obedience to God's commands with love - again, the idea of one or the other, you either obey or don't.
Then he returns to testing anything you hear or are taught - and gives another test: they must acknowledge that Christ came as a human - a polar opposite to the Gnostic heresy which was emerging at the time.
Again, back to love, and this time applied to loving each other. Using God as our example, he shows what love is like in a believer's life. Again a test, and again the idea of love = obey commands. Then we are back to assurance and testimony, then a summary of the whole book, going over main arguments again briefly. You may have noticed by now that John is a bit of a circular writer - unlike Paul who presents things in logical order (which British/American culture is used to) - John argues in circles/spirals, returning again and again to areas, slowly building on things (more similar to other cultures, Ecuador is an example I know of). Isn't it marvellous how God caters to all different types of culture and people by presenting things in different ways!
The final statement is curious - he has not mentioned idols before in the letter, but yet it fits so beautifully. If we love God, we have time and glory only for Him, we have no place for idols in our lives. In the Old Testament, too, idols and love for God were continually contrasted.
Lord, God of love, God Almighty. Father, we love You, because You first loved us, and sent Your Son to die for us. Jesus, we love You, because You first loved us, and gave Yourself for us. Thank You for coming in human form, and dwelling amongst us so that You might perfectly fulfil our suffering, that You might show love to us, who are undeserving, and that You might make us righteous in Your eyes. Lord, we seek to obey Your commands because we love You. We seek to love our brothers in sisters - both familial and spiritual - but we need Your help. We need You continually by our side to show Your love to others. Thank You for promising us that You will never leave us or forsake us. Lord, thank You that we can know the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, for You and against You. Thank you that there is no middle ground that we might be confused - for You are not a God of confusion - there is no darkness in You, only light. Open our eyes Lord, to see You better, and to see ourselves and others as You see them. Help us to love unbelievers as You love them - recognising they are against You, and at enmity with You, but seeking to lead them to knowledge and experience of the love we have received from You. Keep our eyes focused on You, our Lord, and Our God.
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