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 aught be written unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape. 4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief: 5for ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober. 7For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. 8But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9For God appointed us not into wrath, but unto 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. 11Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.

Christian Living

12But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. 15See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. 16Rejoice always; 17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. 19Quench not the Spirit; 20despise not prophesyings; 21prove all things; hold fast that which is good; 22abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings

23And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren.

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