1
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Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. |
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2
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For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. |
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3
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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. |
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4
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But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. |
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5
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For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. |
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6
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So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. |
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7
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For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. |
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8
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But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation. |
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9
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For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
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10
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He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. |
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11
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Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. |
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12
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But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. |
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13
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In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another. |
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14
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And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. |
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15
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Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. |
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16
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Rejoice at all times. |
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17
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Pray without ceasing. |
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18
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Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. |
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19
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Do not extinguish the Spirit. |
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20
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Do not treat prophecies with contempt, |
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21
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but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. |
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22
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Abstain from every form of evil. |
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23
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Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
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24
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The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. |
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25
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Brothers, pray for us as well. |
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26
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Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. |
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27
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I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. |
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28
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. |
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