Be Ready for the Day of the Lord

1Now you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers, 2for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3When peoplea say, “There is peace and security,” destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains comeb to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape.

4However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the Day of the Lordc might surprise you like a thief. 5For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness. 6Therefore, let’s not fall asleep like others do, but let’s stay awake and be sober. 7For people who go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God has not destined us to received wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,e 10who died for us in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing.

Paul Gives Final Instructions to the Church

12Brothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instructf you. 13Hold them in the highest regard, loving them because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14We urge you, brothers, to admonishg those who are idle,h cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Instead, always pursue what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16Always be joyful. 17Continually be prayerful. 18In everything be thankful, because this is God’s will for you in the Messiahi Jesus. 19Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.j 20Do not despise prophecies. 21Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. 22Keep away from every kind of evil.

Final Greeting

23May the God of peace himself make you holy in every way. And may your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—remain blameless when our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,k appears. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will continue to be faithful.l 25Brothers, praym for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I order you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28May the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,n be with you! Amen.o