1 THESSALONIANS 5 (NIV)
- Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
- for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
- While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
- But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day shoud surprise you like a thief.
- You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
- So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
- For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
- But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
- For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- He died for us sothat, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
- Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
- Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
- Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
- And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
- Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
- Be joyful always;
- pray continually;
- give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
- Do not put out of the Spirit's fire;
- do not treat prophecies with contempt.
- Test everything. Hold on to the good.
- Avoid every kind of evil.
- May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
- Brothers, pray for us.
- Gret all the brothers with a holy kiss.
- I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
