The Day of the Lord
(Zephaniah 1:7-18; 2 Peter 3:8-13)

1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to be written to you. 2For you yourselves fully know that the day of the Lord comes in this manner, as a thief by night. 3For when they might say, “Peace and security,” then suddenly destruction comes upon them, as the labor pains to her having in womb; and they shall not escape.

4But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5For you are all sons of light and sons of day; we are not of night nor of darkness. 6So then we should not sleep as the others, but we should watch and we should be sober. 7For those sleeping, sleep by night; and those becoming drunk, get drunk by night. 8But we being of the day should be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet, the hope of salvation, 9because God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10the One having died for us, so that whether we might watch or we might sleep, we may live together with Him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as also you are doing.

Christian Living

12But we implore you, brothers, to appreciate those toiling among you, and taking the lead over you in the Lord, and admonishing you, 13and to esteem them exceedingly in love, because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

14And we exhort you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient toward all.

15See that no one has repaid to anyone evil for evil, but always pursue the good also toward one another and toward all.

16Rejoice always. 17Pray unceasingly. 18Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God toward you in Christ Jesus.

19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test all things. Hold fast to the good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings

23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved, entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The One calling you is faithful, who also will do it.

25Brothers, pray also for us.

26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27I adjure you by the Lord, this letter to be read to all the brothers.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.a