Grace and Perseverance
(Hebrews 12:1–3)

1Do you, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things which you heard from me, through many witnesses, these commit to faithful men, who will be competent to teach others also. 3Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one, serving as a soldier, entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. 5And, if also one contends in the games, he is not crowned, unless he contends lawfully. 6The toiling husbandman must first partake of the fruits. 7Consider what I am saying; for the Lord will give you discernment in all things.

8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Gospel; 9wherein I am suffering hardship, even to bonds, as a malefactor; but the Word of God has not become bound. 10Therefore, I suffer all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11Faithful is the saying; for, if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him;

12if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

13if we are faithless, He remaineth faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

The Lord’s Approved Workman

14Of these things put them in remembrance, solemnly charging them before God, that they engage not in word-battles to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. 15Give diligence to present yourself approved to God, a workman not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16But shun the profane babblings, for they will proceed to more ungodliness; 17and their word will spread, as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18who erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overthrowing the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God has been standing, having this seal, "The Lord knew those who are His:" and "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."

20But, in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some, indeed, unto honor and some unto dishonor. 21If, therefore, one fully purify himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22But flee youthful desires; and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those calling upon the Lord out of a pure heart. 23But the foolish and ignorant questionings reject, knowing that they beget strifes; 24now a servant of the Lord must not engage in strife, but should be gentle towards all, apt in teaching, patient of wrong, 25in meekness correcting those opposing themselves, if peradventure God should give them repentance to a full knowledge of the truth, 26and they may return to soberness out of the snare of the Devil, having been taken captive by him in accordance with his will.