Grace and Perseverance
(Hebrews 12:1–3)

1You, therefore, my child, be empowered in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that you heard from me through many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men such as will be sufficient to teach others also.

3Share in suffering† as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.† 4No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of life, so that he might please the one having enlisted him. 5Now also, if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he shall have competed lawfully. 6It is necessary for the toiling farmer first to partake of the fruits. 7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

8Remember Jesus Christ, having been raised out from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel, 9in which I suffer hardship even to chains as an evildoer. But the word of God has not been bound! 10Because of this, I endure all things because of the chosen ones, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11Trustworthy is the word:

For if we died together with Him,

we will also live together with Him;

12if we endure,

we will also reign together with Him;

if we will deny Him,

He also will deny us;

13if we are faithless,

He remains faithful,

for He is not able to deny Himself.

The Lord’s Approved Workman

14Remind them these things, earnestly testifying before God† not to fight about words, useful for nothing but to the subversion of those hearing.

15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, straightly cutting the word of truth.

16But avoid profane, empty utterances, for they will advance to more ungodliness, 17and their word will have pasture like gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who missed the mark concerning the truth, saying the resurrection already to have happened; and they are overturning the faith of some.

19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,”† and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord† depart from unrighteousness.”

20Now in a great house there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some indeed for honor, but some for dishonor. 21Therefore if anyone shall have cleansed himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, having been sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work.

22Now flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those calling on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23And refuse foolish and ignorant controversies, knowing that they beget quarrels. 24And it is necessary for a servant of the Lord not to quarrel, but to be kind toward all, able to teach, forbearing, 25in gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth, 26and they might come to their senses out of the snare of the devil, having been captured by him unto his will.

Footnotes:

3 BYZ and TR include therefore
3 BYZ and TR of Jesus Christ
14 SBL, BYZ, and TR before the Lord
19 Numbers 16:5 (see also LXX)
19 TR of Christ