The Day of the Lord

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

Christian Conduct

12But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and [h]are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you [i]instruction, 13and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the [j]unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not quench the Spirit, 20do not utterly reject [k]prophecies, 21but examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, 22abstain from every [l]form of evil.

23Now 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. 24Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.

25Brothers and sisters, pray for us[m].

26Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27I put you under oath by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.