1 Thessalonians 5

1. ¹But as to times and dates it is unnecessary that anything be written to you.
2. ²For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
3. ³While they are saying "Peace and safety!" then in a moment destruction falls upon them, like birth-pains on a woman who is with child; and escape there is none.
4. ⁴But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that daylight should surprise you like a thief;
5. ⁵for all of you are sons of Light and sons of the day. We belong neither to the night nor to darkness.
6. ⁶So then let us not sleep, like the rest of the world, but let us keep awake and be sober.
7. ⁷For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who drink freely, drink at night.
8. ⁸But let us, belonging--as we do--to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
9. ⁹For God has not pre-destined us to meet His anger, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ;
10. ¹⁰who died on our behalf, so that whether we are awake or are sleeping we may share His Life.
11. ¹¹Therefore encourage one another, and let each one help to strengthen his friend, as in fact you do.
12. ¹²Now we beg you, brethren, to show respect for those who labour among you and are your leaders in Christian work, and are your advisers;
13. ¹³and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14. ¹⁴And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the timid, sustain the weak, and be patient towards all.
15. ¹⁵See to it that no one ever repays another with evil for evil; but always seek opportunities of doing good both to one another and to all the world.
16. ¹⁶Be always joyful.
17. ¹⁷Be unceasing in prayer.
18. ¹⁸In every circumstance of life be thankful; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus respecting you.
19. ¹⁹Do not quench the Spirit.
20. ²⁰Do not think meanly of utterances of prophecy;
21. ²¹but test all such, and retain hold of the good.
22. ²²Hold yourselves aloof from every form of evil.
23. ²³And may God Himself who gives peace, make you entirely holy; and may your spirits, souls and bodies be preserved complete and be found blameless at the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24. ²⁴Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also perfect His work.
25. ²⁵Brethren, pray for us.
26. ²⁶Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27. ²⁷I solemnly charge you in the Lord's name to have this Letter read to all the brethren.
28. ²⁸May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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