But as for you, stay in control of yourself no matter what happens. Don’t give up when things become difficult. Work to spread the good news. Fulfill all the responsibilities of your work.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with partying, drunkenness, and the worries of life. Then the day when the Son of Man returns will close on you suddenly like a trap.
Let’s not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. Instead, let’s encourage one another. And let’s meet and encourage one another even more as we see the day of Christ’s return approaching.
“Look! I’m coming like a thief! Blessed is anyone who stays awake and keeps their clothes on. Then they’ll be ready, and they won’t be caught naked and be embarrassed.”
Husbands, be understanding of your wives. Treat them with respect, remembering the ways in which they’re physically weaker than you. Honor them as people who will share the gracious gift of life with you. Otherwise, God won’t answer your prayers.
So always keep watching. Pray that you will be able to escape all that is about to happen, and pray that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
If he had, he would have had to suffer many times since the world was created. No, he has appeared once and for all time, now when God’s work is being completed. He has come to do away with sin by offering himself.