Grace and Perseverance

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5And if a man also striveth for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he striveth lawfully. 6The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9In which I suffer trouble, as an evil-doer, even to bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11It is a faithful saying: For if we are dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

The Lord's Approved Workman

14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they contend not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; 18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore will cleanse himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and prepared to every good work. 22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they gender contentions. 24And the servant of the Lord must not contend; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.