Grace and Perseverance
(Hebrews 12:1–3)

1Therefore, my child, be thou filled up with dynamite in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, 2and whatsoever things thou hast heard with me through many witnesses, commit thou the same to faithful men, who will be able also to teach others. 3Suffer affliction, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No one operating as a soldier is entangled with the affairs of life; in order that he may please his commander. 5But if indeed any one may fight, he is not crowned unless he may fight lawfully. 6It behooves the toiling farmer first to partake of the fruits. 7Know what I say; for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

8Remember Jesus Christ, who is risen from the dead, from the seed of David, according to my gospel: 9in whom I suffer affliction as an evil-doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10On account of this I endure all things for the sake of the elect, in order that they may also have the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11It is a faithful saying: For if we die along with him, we will also live with him:

12if we endure, we will truly reign with him: if we shall deny him, he will also deny us:

13if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful; for he is not able to deny himself.

The Lord’s Approved Workman

14Remember these things, testifying before God, that they shall not fight with words, profitable unto nothing, for the overturning of those who hear. 15Study to present yourself to God approved, a workman not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16But reject the unsanctified empty talks: for they will proceed unto more of ungodliness, 17and their word like gangrene will have eating. Of whom are Hymenaeus and Phyletus; 18who have made shipwreck concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already come, and they overturn the faith of some. 19The foundation of God stands solid indeed, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his: and; Let every one naming the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.

20But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wood and stone, the former truly indeed unto honor, but the latter unto dishonor. 21Therefore if any one may cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, having been sanctified, well pleasing to the Lord, having been prepared unto every good work. 22But fly from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, divine love, peace, with those who call upon the Lord out of a clean heart. 23But reject foolish and undisciplinary questions, knowing that they gender strife. 24But it does not behoove the servant of the Lord to strive, but to be gentle toward all, competent to teach, enduring evil, 25in meekness correcting the adversaries; if peradventure God may grant unto them repentance into the perfect knowledge of the truth, 26and they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him (the Lord's servant) according to his will.