Chapter 5

   But as to times and dates it is unnecessary that anything be written to you.  

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   For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.  

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   While they are saying 'Peace and safety!' then in a moment destruction falls upon them, like birth-pains on a woman who is with child; and escape there is none.  

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   But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that daylight should surprise you like a thief;  

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   for all of you are sons of Light and sons of the day. We belong neither to the night nor to darkness.  

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   So then let us not sleep, like the rest of the world, but let us keep awake and be sober.  

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   For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who drink freely, drink at night.  

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   But let us, belonging--as we do--to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.  

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   For God has not pre-destined us to meet His anger, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ;  

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   who died on our behalf, so that whether we are awake or are sleeping we may share His Life.  

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   Therefore encourage one another, and let each one help to strengthen his friend, as in fact you do.  

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   Now we beg you, brethren, to show respect for those who labour among you and are your leaders in Christian work, and are your advisers;  

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   and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.  

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   And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the timid, sustain the weak, and be patient towards all.  

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   See to it that no one ever repays another with evil for evil; but always seek opportunities of doing good both to one another and to all the world.  

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   Be always joyful.  

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   Be unceasing in prayer.  

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   In every circumstance of life be thankful; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus respecting you.  

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   Do not quench the Spirit.  

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   Do not think meanly of utterances of prophecy;  

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   but test all such, and retain hold of the good.  

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   Hold yourselves aloof from every form of evil.  

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   And may God Himself who gives peace, make you entirely holy; and may your spirits, souls and bodies be preserved complete and be found blameless at the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

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   Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also perfect His work.  

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   Brethren, pray for us.  

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   Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.  

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   I solemnly charge you in the Lord's name to have this Letter read to all the brethren.  

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   May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  

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