The Day of the Lord
(Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)

1And of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need to write to you. 2For ye yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord, as a thief in the night, so comes. 3For when they say, Peace and security; then sudden ruin is upon them, as anguish in her with child; and they may not escape. 4And ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day as a thief overtake you. 5Ye are all sons of light, and sons of day: we are not of night, nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep, as also the rest; but let us watch and be sober. 7For they sleeping sleep in the night; and they drunken are drunken in the night. 8And we, being of the day, let us be sober, putting on the coat of mail of faith and love; and a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9For God set us not for wrath, but for the acquisition of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10He having died for us, that, whether we watch or sleep, we should live together with him. 11Wherefore comfort one another, and build up one another, as also ye do.

Christian Living

12And we ask you, brethren, to know those being fatigued among you, and set over you in the Lord, and reminding you; 13And to think them above ordinary in love for their work. Live in peace in yourselves. 14And we beseech you, brethren, remind the disorderly, encourage the timid, sustain the weak, and be slow to anger to all. 15See that any return not evil to any: but always pursue good to one another, and to all. 16Rejoice always. 17Pray continually. 18In every thing return thanks: for this the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Set not prophecies at nought. 21Try all things; hold the good. 22Keep away from all appearance of evil.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23And the same God of peace consecrate you perfectly compete; and your whole spirit and soul and body be kept faultless to the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful he calling you, who also will do.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Greet all the brethren in a holy kiss. 27I bind you by oath, for the epistle to be read to all the holy brethren.

28The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with you. Amen.