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For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
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But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
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You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
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Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
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For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
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But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
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For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
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who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
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Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
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And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
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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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Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
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See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
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Rejoice always,
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pray without ceasing,
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in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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Do not quench the Spirit.
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Do not despise prophecies.
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Test all things; hold fast what is good.
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Abstain from every form of evil.
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Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
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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 charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.