Study Desk

Now as to the ^(C1)periods and ^(F1)times, brothers and sisters, you ^(C2)have no need of anything to be written to you.

For you yourselves know full well that ^(C1)the day of the Lord is coming ^(C2)just like a thief in the night.

While they are saying, "^(C1)Peace and safety!" then ^(C2)sudden destruction ^(F1)will come upon them like ^(C3)labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in ^(C1)darkness, so that the day would overtake you ^(F1)(C2)like a thief;

for you are all ^(C1)sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of ^(C2)darkness;

so then, let's not ^(C1)sleep as ^(F1)(C2)others do, but let's be alert and ^(F2)(C3)sober.

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, ^(C1)get drunk at night.

But since ^(C1)we are of the day, let's ^(C2)be ^(F1)sober, having put on the ^(C3)breastplate of ^(C4)faith and love, and as a ^(C5)helmet, the ^(C6)hope of salvation.

For God has not destined us for ^(C1)wrath, but for ^(C2)obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

^(C1)who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.

Therefore, ^(F1)encourage one another and ^(C1)build one another up, just as you also are doing.

But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to ^(C1)recognize those ^(C2)who diligently labor among you and ^(F1)(C3)are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you ^(F2)instruction,

and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. ^(C1)Live in peace with one another.

We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish ^(C1)the ^(F1)unruly, encourage ^(C2)the fainthearted, help ^(C3)the weak, be ^(C4)patient with everyone.

See that ^(C1)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always ^(C2)seek what is good for one another and for all people.

^(C1)Rejoice always,

^(C1)pray without ceasing,

in everything ^(C1)give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

^(C1)Do not quench the Spirit,

do not utterly reject ^(F1)(C1)prophecies,

but ^(C1)examine everything; ^(C2)hold firmly to that which is good,

abstain from every ^(F1)form of evil.

Now ^(C1)may the God of peace ^(C2)Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your ^(C3)spirit and soul and body be kept complete, ^(C4)without blame at ^(C5)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

^(C1)Faithful is He who ^(C2)calls you, and He also will do it.

Brothers and sisters, ^(C1)pray for us^(F1).

^(C1)Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.

I put you under oath by the Lord to ^(C1)have this letter read to all the ^(C2)brothers and sisters.

^(C1)May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.