A Call to Endurance
(2 Timothy 2:1–13)

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance (perseverance) the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus (YHWH saves), the author (pioneer)a and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God {Theou}. 3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you⁺ will not grow weary and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Sons

4In your struggle against sin, you⁺ have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you⁺ have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you⁺ as sons:

“My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord {Kyriou},

and do not lose heart when He rebukes you.

6For the Lord {Kyrios} disciplines the one He loves {agapa},

and He chastises every son He receives \and He flogs every son He receives/.”b

7Endure suffering as discipline; God {Theos} is treating you⁺ as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father {patēr}? 8If you⁺ do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you⁺ are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers {pateras} who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits {pneumatōn} and live?

10Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace (it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness)c to those who have been trained by it.

12Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees <Isa 35:3>.d 13Make straight paths for your⁺ feet <Pro 4:26>,e so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

A Call to Holiness
(1 Peter 1:13–21)

14Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord {Kyrion}. 15See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God {Theou}, and that no root of bitterness <Deu 29:18>f springs up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau (hairy), who for a single meal sold his birthright. 17For you⁺ know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.

An Unshakable Kingdom
(Exodus 20:18–21; Deuteronomy 5:22–33)

18For you⁺ have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that \to what can be touched and/g is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; 19to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. 20For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned <Exo 19:12–13>.”h 21The sight was so terrifying that even Moses (drawn out) said, “I am trembling with fear <Deu 9:19>.”i

22Instead, you⁺ have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God {Theou}, the heavenly Jerusalem (city of peace). You have come to myriads of angels (messengers) 23in joyful assembly, to the congregation {ekklēsia} of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God {Theō} the Judge of all, to the spirits {pneumasi} of the righteous made perfect, 24to Jesus (YHWH saves) the mediator (reconciler) of a new covenant {diathēkēs}, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (breath).

25See to it that you⁺ do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? 26At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well <Hag 2:6>.”j 27The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.

28Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God {Theō} acceptably with reverence and awe. 29“For our God {Theos} is a consuming fire <Deu 4:24>.”k