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that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable,
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not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;
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and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.
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For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
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Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
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Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
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so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
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Believers Who Have Died
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
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According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
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Therefore encourage one another with these words.
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The Day of the Lord
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
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While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
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But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
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You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
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So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
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For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
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Final Instructions
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
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Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
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Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
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give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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Do not quench the Spirit.
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Do not treat prophecies with contempt
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but test them all; hold on to what is good,
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May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
