This I say, because you know the crisis that we have reached, for the time has already come for you to rouse yourselves from sleep; our Salvation is nearer now than when we accepted the Faith.

Awake to a righteous life, and cease to sin. There are some who have no true knowledge of God. I speak in this way to shame you.

For everything that has its true character made manifest is clear as light. And that is why it is said--'Sleeper, awake! Arise from the dead, and the Christ shall give thee light!'

Watch

Therefore watch; for you cannot be sure on what day your Master is coming.

Therefore watch, since you know neither the Day nor the Hour.

"I am sad at heart," he said, "sad even to death; wait here and watch with me."

It is like a man going on a journey, who leaves his home, puts his servants in charge--each having his special duty--and orders the porter to watch.

Watch and pray," he said to them all, "that you may not fall into temptation. True, the spirit is eager, but human nature is weak."

Happy are those servants whom, on his return, the Master will find watching. I tell you that he will make himself ready, and bid them take their places at table, and will come and wait upon them.

Be on the watch at all times, and pray that you may have strength to escape all that is destined to happen, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man."

"Why are you asleep?" he asked them. "Rise and pray, that you may not fall into temptation."

Therefore, be on your guard, remembering how for three years, night and day, I never ceased, even with tears, to warn each one of you.

Be watchful; stand firm in your faith; show yourselves men; be strong.

Pray in spirit at all times. Be intent upon this, with unwearying perseverance and supplication for all Christ's People- -

Devote yourselves to prayer. Give your whole mind to it, and also offer thanksgiving;

But you, Timothy, must always be temperate. Face hardships; do the work of a Missionary; discharge all the duties of your Office.

But the end of all things is near. Therefore exercise self-restraint and be calm, that you may be able to pray.

Be on the watch, and strengthen what still survives, though once it was all but dead; for I have not found your life perfect in the eyes of my God.

('I am coming like a thief! Happy will he be who is on the watch, and keeps his clothing at hand, so that he will not have to walk about unclothed and let men see his nakedness.')

General references

Therefore watch, since you know neither the Day nor the Hour.

See that you are on the watch; for you do not know when the time will be.

Do you also prepare, for when you are least expecting him the Son of Man will come."