5Verse 1Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.Verse 2For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.Verse 3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.Verse 4But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.Verse 5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.Verse 6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.Verse 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.Verse 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.Verse 9For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.Verse 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.Verse 11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living
Verse 12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.Verse 13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.Verse 14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.Verse 15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.Verse 16Rejoice at all times.Verse 17Pray without ceasing.Verse 18Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.Verse 19Do not extinguish the Spirit.Verse 20Do not treat prophecies with contempt,Verse 21but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.Verse 22Abstain from every form of evil.
Final Blessings and Instructions
Verse 23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body+be kept blameless+at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Verse 24The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.Verse 25Brothers, pray for us as well.Verse 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.Verse 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.Verse 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.+