MSB 1 TH Chapter 5

The Day of the Lord

(Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)

5 Now about the times and seasons, brothers, {we do} not need to write to you. 2 For you {are} fully aware that the Day of [the] Lord will come like a thief in [the] night. 3 For[fn] while [people] are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers, are not in [the] darkness so that [this] day should overtake you like a thief.[fn] 5 You[fn] are all sons of [the] light and sons of [the] day; we do not belong to [the] night [or] to [the] darkness. 6 So then, let us not sleep as the others [do], but let us remain awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But [since] we[fn] belong to [the] day, let us be sober, putting on [the] breastplate of faith and love, and [the] helmet [of our] hope of salvation.

9 For God has not appointed us to [suffer] wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. 11 Therefore encourage and build one another {up}, just as you are already doing.

Christian Living

12 But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, [who] preside over you in [the] Lord and give you instruction. 13 In love, hold them in highest {regard} because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

14 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, [and] be patient with everyone.

15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what [is] good for one another and for all [people].

16 Rejoice at all times. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 Give thanks in every circumstance, for this [is] God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not extinguish the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies {with contempt}, 21 but test all things. Hold fast to what [is] good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23 Now {may} the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and {may} your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless[fn] at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The [One who] calls you [is] faithful, and [He] will do [it].

25 Brothers, pray for us.[fn]

26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27 I charge you [before] the Lord [to have this] letter read to all the holy[fn] brothers.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.[fn]