Address and Greeting (1:1)

I. Building Christian Maturity (1:2–27)

A. Trials and Temptations (1:2–11)

B. The Evil Desire (1:12–18)

C. True Religion is Compassion in Action (1:19–27)

II. Building a Healthy Community (2:1–5:18)

A. The Effects of Sickness (2:1–26)

1. Sin of Favoritism (2:1–13)

2. Faith and Deeds (2:14–26)

B. The Source of Sickness (3:1–18)

1. Teachers and Tongues (3:1–12)

2. True and False Wisdom (3:13–18)

C. Symptoms and Antidote (4:1–5:18)

1. Friendship with the World (4:1–10)

2. Slander and the Desire for Money (4:11–17)

3. The Corrosive Power of Wealth (5:1–6)

4. Patience in the Face of Suffering (5:7–11)

5. The Prayer of Faith (5:12–18)

Conclusion: The Forgiveness of God (5:19–20)