The Day of the Lord

(Zephaniah 1:7-18; 2 Peter 3:10-13)

1But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. 2For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. 3For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. 4But you, brothers, aren't in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don't belong to the night, nor to darkness, 6so then let's not sleep, as the rest do, but let's watch and be sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. 8But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

Christian Living

12But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, 13and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. 15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all. 16Rejoice always. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19Don't quench the Spirit. 20Don't despise prophesies. 21Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings

23May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.

25Brothers, pray for us.

26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.

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