(Hebrews 12:1–3)
1
You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that [is] in Christ Jesus,
2
and the things that you heard from me through many witnesses, be committing these things to steadfast men, who will also be sufficient to teach others;
3
you, therefore, suffer evil as a good soldier of Jesus Christ;
4
no one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who enlisted him;
5
and if anyone also may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully;
6
it is first necessary [for] the laboring farmer to partake of the fruits;
7
be considering what things I say, for the LORD gives to you understanding in all things.
8
Remember Jesus Christ, raised out of the dead, of the seed of David, according to my good news,
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in which I suffer evil—to bonds, as an evildoer, but the word of God has not been bound;
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because of this I endure all things, because of the chosen ones, that they also may obtain salvation that [is] in Christ Jesus, with perpetual glory.
11
The word [is] steadfast: For if we died together—we will also live together;
12
if we endure together—we will also reign together; if we deny [Him], He will also deny us;
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if we are not steadfast, He remains steadfast; He is not able to deny Himself.
The Lord’s Approved Workman
14
Remind [them] of these things, testifying fully before the LORD—not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;
15
be diligent to present yourself approved to God—a workman not ashamed, straightly cutting the word of truth;
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and stand aloof from the profane vain talkings, for they will advance to more impiety,
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and their word will have pasture as a gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus,
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who swerved concerning the truth, saying the resurrection to have already been, and overthrows the faith of some;
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sure, nevertheless, the foundation of God has stood, having this seal: “The LORD has known those who are His,” and, “Let him depart from unrighteousness—everyone who is naming the Name of Christ.”
20
And 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:
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if, then, anyone may cleanse himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, sanctified and profitable to the master—having been prepared to every good work;
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and flee the youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those calling on the LORD out of a pure heart;
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and be avoiding the foolish and uninstructed questions, having known that they beget strife,
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and a servant of the LORD must not quarrel, but to be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient under evil,
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instructing those opposing in meekness—if perhaps God may give to them conversion to an acknowledging of the truth,
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and they may awake out of the Devil’s snare, having been caught by him at his will.
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