The Day of the Lord

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

1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to, 2for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of [the] Lord so comes as a thief by night. 3When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape. 4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief: 5for all ye are sons of light and sons of day; we are not of night nor of darkness. 6So then do not let us sleep as the rest do, but let us watch and be sober; 7for they that sleep sleep by night, and they that drink drink by night; 8but we being of [the] day, let us be sober, putting on [the] breastplate of faith and love, and as helmet [the] hope of salvation; 9because God has not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who has died for us, that whether we may be watching or sleep, we may live together with him. 11Wherefore encourage one another, and build up each one the other, even as also ye do.

Christian Living

12But we beg you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and take the lead among you in [the] Lord, and admonish you, 13and to regard them exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be in peace among yourselves. 14But we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, sustain the weak, be patient towards all. 15See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all; 16rejoice always; 17pray unceasingly; 18in everything give thanks, for this is [the] will of God in Christ Jesus towards you; 19quench not the Spirit; 20do not lightly esteem prophecies; 21but prove all things, hold fast the right; 22hold aloof from every form of wickedness.

Final Blessings

23Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He [is] faithful who calls you, who will also perform [it].

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the [holy] brethren.

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