• The Day of the Lord

  • 1 Now as to the periods and times, brothers and sisters, you have no need of anything to be written to you.
  • 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord is coming just like a thief in the night.
  • 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
  • 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief;
  • 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;
  • 6 so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober.
  • 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night.
  • 8 But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
  • 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
  • 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
  • 11 Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.

  • Christian Conduct

  • 12 But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction,
  • 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
  • 14 We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
  • 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.
  • 16 Rejoice always,
  • 17 pray without ceasing,
  • 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
  • 19 Do not quench the Spirit,
  • 20 do not utterly reject prophecies,
  • 21 but examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good,
  • 22 abstain from every form of evil.
  • 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.
  • 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
  • 26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.
  • 27 I put you under oath by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
  • 28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.