The Day of the Lord

1. Now concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need for anything to be written to you,
2. for you yourselves know accurately that the Day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
3. When they are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes upon them, like birth pains upon a pregnant woman, and they shall certainly not escape.
4. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should 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 us not sleep as the rest do, but let us be alert and be sober.
7. For those sleeping sleep at night, and those getting drunk get drunk at night;
8. but we, being of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and a helmet, the hope of salvation.
9. Because God did not appoint 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 may live together with Him.
11. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you also are doing.

Instructions for Community Life

12. Now we ask you, brethren, to acknowledge those labouring among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you,
13. and to regard them exceedingly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
14. And we urge you, brethren: admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all.
15. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always pursue the good, both for one another and for all.

Life in the Spirit

16. Rejoice always;
17. pray without ceasing;
18. in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19. Do not quench the Spirit;
20. do not despise prophecies;
21. but test all things, hold fast to what is good;
22. abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessing

23. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept whole, blameless, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24. Faithful is the One who calls you, who also will do it.

Closing Commands

25. Brethren, pray for us.
26. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27. I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren.
28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.