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 from me among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be competent 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 this life, 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 hardworking farmer first to partake of the fruits. 7Consider the things I am saying, 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 is not bound! 10Because of this, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11Trustworthy is the saying:

For if we have 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, solemnly charging them before Goda not to quarrel about words, for nothing profitable but to the subversion of those hearing.

15Hasten to present yourself approved to God, a workman not ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

16But avoid worldly, empty babblings, for they will lead on to more ungodliness, 17and their talk will have pasture to grow like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have gone astray concerning the truth, asserting the resurrection already to have taken place; and they are overthrowing the faith of some.

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

20Now in a great house, there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some indeed unto honor, but some unto 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 pure a heart.

23And refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they breed quarrels. 24And it behooves the bond-servant of the Lord not to quarrel, but to be gentle 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 for his will.