1 Thessalonians 5

Concerning “the times and the seasons,” Paul reminds them that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night,” suddenly upon the complacent, but believers are “children of light” who should be awake and sober, armed with faith, love, and “the hope of salvation.” For “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us.” He then gives rapid-fire exhortations: respect and love your leaders, be at peace, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient, do good, “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances,” do not quench the Spirit, and test everything, holding fast to the good. He closes praying that “the God of peace himself” would sanctify them completely and keep them “blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”