⁷ The end of all things is near.^(A) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(B) so that you may pray.

⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming^(A) is near.^{(B) 9} Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters,^(C) or you will be judged. The Judge^(D) is standing at the door!^(E)

Be Holy

¹³ Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober,^(A) set your hope^(B) on the grace to be brought to you^(C) when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.^(D)

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(A) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(B) like a roaring lion^(C) looking for someone to devour.

⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,^(A) do the work of an evangelist,^(B) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life,^(A) and that day will close on you suddenly^(B) like a trap.

²⁵ not giving up meeting together,^(A) as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another^(B)—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.^(C)

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(A) being watchful and thankful.

⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(A) but let us be awake^(B) and sober.^{(C) 7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.^{(D) 8} But since we belong to the day,^(E) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(F) and the hope of salvation^(G) as a helmet.^(H)