Grace and Perseverance

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

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

8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein 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 elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11It is a faithful saying: For if we be 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 stays faithful: he cannot deny himself.

The Lord's Approved Workman

14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs 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 does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus 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 stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names 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 purge himself from these, he shall 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 do engender strifes. 24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure 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.