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5:1 But about the times and their order, my brothers, there is no need for me to say anything to you.

5:2 For you yourselves have the knowledge that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

5:3 When they say, There is peace and no danger, then sudden destruction will come on them, as birth-pains on a woman with child; and they will not be able to get away from it.

5:4 But you, my brothers, are not in the dark, for that day to overtake you like a thief:

5:5 For you are all sons of light and of the day: we are not of the night or of the dark.

5:6 So then, let us not take our rest as the others do, but let us be self-controlled and awake.

5:7 For those who are sleeping do so in the night; and those who are the worse for drink are so in the night;

5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be serious, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and on our heads, the hope of salvation.

5:9 For God's purpose for us is not wrath, but salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:10 Who was put to death for us, so that, awake or sleeping, we may have a part in his life.

5:11 So then, go on comforting and building up one another, as you have been doing.

5:12 But we make this request to you, my brothers: give attention to those who are working among you, who are over you in the Lord to keep order among you;

5:13 And have a high opinion of them in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

5:14 And our desire is that you will keep control over those whose lives are not well ordered, giving comfort to the feeble-hearted, supporting those with little strength, and putting up with much from all.

5:15 Let no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one another and for all.

5:16 Have joy at all times.

5:17 Keep on with your prayers.

5:18 In everything give praise: for this is the purpose of God in Christ Jesus for you.

5:19 Do not put out the light of the Spirit;

5:20 Do not make little of the words of the prophets;

5:21 Let all things be tested; keep to what is good;

5:22 Keep from every form of evil.

5:23 And may the God of peace himself make you holy in every way; and may your spirit and soul and body be free from all sin at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24 God, by whom you have been marked out in his purpose, is unchanging and will make it complete.

5:25 Brothers, keep us in mind in your prayers.

5:26 Give all the brothers a holy kiss.

5:27 I give orders in the name of the Lord that all the brothers are to be present at the reading of this letter.

5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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