1. I don't need to write to you about the time or date when all this will happen.
2. You know that the Lord's return will be as a thief coming at night.
3. People will think they are safe and secure. But destruction will suddenly strike them like the pains of a woman about to give birth. And they won't escape.
4. My dear friends, you don't live in darkness, and so that day won't surprise you like a thief.
5. You belong to the light and live in the day. We don't live in the night or belong to the dark.
6. Others may sleep, but we should stay awake and be alert.
7. People sleep during the night, and some even get drunk.
8. But we belong to the day. So we must stay sober and let our faith and love be like a suit of armour. Our firm hope that we will be saved is our helmet.
9. God doesn't intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ.
10. Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.
11. That's why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.
12. My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord.
13. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other.
14. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn't living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.