Grace and Perseverance
(Hebrews 12:1–3)

1And as for you, my son, be strengthened by the grace which is in Christ Jesus, 2and by the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses. These things encourage faithful men, who shall then be suitable to teach others also. 3Labor like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No man, acting as a soldier for God, entangles himself in worldly matters, so that he may be pleasing to him for whom he has proven himself. 5Then, too, whoever strives in a competition is not crowned, unless he has competed lawfully. 6The farmer who labors ought to be the first to share in the produce. 7Understand what I am saying. For the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

8Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the offspring of David, has risen again from the dead, according to my Gospel. 9I labor in this Gospel, even while chained like an evildoer. But the Word of God is not bound. 10I endure all things for this reason: for the sake of the elect, so that they, too, may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.

11It is a faithful saying: that if we have died with him, we will also live with him.

12If we suffer, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.

13If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful: he is not able to deny himself.

The Lord’s Approved Workman

14Insist on these things, testifying before the Lord. Do not be contentious about words, for this is useful for nothing but the subversion of listeners. 15Be solicitous in the task of presenting yourself before God as a proven and unashamed worker who has handled the Word of Truth correctly. 16But avoid profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety. 17And their word spreads like a cancer: among these are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have fallen away from the truth by saying that the resurrection is already complete. And so they have subverted the faith of certain persons. 19But the firm foundation of God remains standing, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are his own, and all who know the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.

20But, in a large house, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also those of wood and of clay; and certainly some are held in honor, but others in dishonor. 21If anyone, then, will have cleansed himself from these things, he shall be a vessel held in honor, sanctified and useful to the Lord, prepared for every good work. 22So then, flee from the desires of your youth, yet truly, pursue justice, faith, hope, charity, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. 23But avoid foolish and undisciplined questions, for you know that these produce strife. 24For the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but instead he must be meek toward everyone, teachable, patient, 25correcting with self-restraint those who resist the truth. For at any time God may give them repentance, so as to recognize the truth, 26and then they may recover from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.