| 1. The gospel by its nature produces godliness in the lives of believers. There is no legitimate separation between belief and behavior. | 1:1; 2:1, 11–14; 3:4–7 |
| 2. One’s deeds will either prove or disprove one’s claim to know God. | 1:16 |
| 3. It is vitally important to have godly men serving as elders/pastors. | 1:5–9 |
| 4. True Christian living will commend the gospel to others. | 2:5, 8, 10 |
| 5. Good works have an important place in the lives of believers. | 2:1–10, 14; 3:1–2, 8, 14 |
| 6. It is important to deal clearly and firmly with doctrinal and moral error in the church. | 1:10–16; 3:9–11 |
| 7. The gospel is the basis for Christian ethics. | 2:11–14; 3:3–7 |