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The Day of the Lord

¹ Now as to the ^(F1)(C1)times and dates, ^(F2)brothers and sisters, you ^(C2)have no need for anything to be written to you.² For you yourselves know perfectly well that ^(C1)the day of the return of the Lord is coming ^(C2)just as a thief comes unexpectedly and suddenly in the night.³ While they are saying, "^(C1)Peace and safety all is well and secure!" then in a moment unforeseen ^(C2)destruction will come upon them suddenly like ^(C3)labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord.⁴ But you, ^(F1)believers, all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God's Son are not in spiritual ^(C1)darkness nor held by its power, that the day of judgment would overtake you by surprise ^(C2)like a thief;⁵ for you are all ^(C1)sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to ^(C2)darkness.⁶ So then let us not ^(C1)sleep in spiritual indifference as ^(C2)the rest of the world does, but let us keep wide awake alert and cautious and let us be ^(C3)sober self-controlled, calm, and wise.⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get ^(C1)drunk at night.⁸ But since ^(C1)we believers belong to the day, let us ^(C2)be sober, having put on the ^(C3)breastplate of ^(C4)faith and love, and as a ^(C5)helmet, the ^(C6)hope and confident assurance of salvation.⁹ For God has not destined us to incur His ^(C1)wrath that is, He did not select us to condemn us, but to ^(C2)obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,^10 (C1)who died willingly for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) at Christ's appearing, we will live together with Him sharing eternal life.¹¹ Therefore encourage and comfort one another and ^(C1)build up one another, just as you are doing.

Christian Conduct

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to ^(C1)appreciate those ^(C2)who diligently work among you recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders, who ^(C3)are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction,¹³ and we ask that you appreciate them and hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work on your behalf. ^(C1)Live in peace with one another.¹⁴ We earnestly urge you, believers, admonish ^(C1)those who are out of line the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly, encourage ^(C2)the timid who lack spiritual courage, help ^(C3)the spiritually weak, be very ^(C4)patient with everyone always controlling your temper. ^(VR1)15 See that ^(C1)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always ^(C2)seek that which is good for one another and for all people.^16 (C1)Rejoice always and delight in your faith;^17 (C1)be unceasing and persistent in prayer;¹⁸ in every situation no matter what the circumstances ^(C1)be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.^19 (C1)Do not quench subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of the Holy Spirit.²⁰ Do not scorn or reject ^(C1)gifts of prophecy or prophecies spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning.²¹ But ^(C1)test ^(F1)all things carefully so you can recognize what is good. ^(C2)Hold firmly to that which is good.²² Abstain from every form of evil withdraw and keep away from it.

²³ Now ^(C1)may the God of peace ^(C2)Himself sanctify you through and through that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose; and may your ^(C3)spirit and soul and body be kept complete and be found ^(C4)blameless at ^(C5)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^24 (C1)Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is ^(C2)calling you to Himself for your salvation, and He will do it He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own.

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, ^(C1)pray for us.

^26 (C1)Greet all the believers with a holy ^(F1)kiss as brothers and sisters in God's family.²⁷ I solemnly charge you by the Lord to ^(C1)have this letter read before all the ^(F1)(C2)congregation.

^28 (C1)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.