¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood,^(A) he too shared in their humanity^(B) so that by his death he might break the power^(C) of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil^(D)— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear^(E) of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.^(F)

¹⁹ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead^(A)—since he was about a hundred years old^(B)—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.^{(C) 20} Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened^(D) in his faith and gave glory to God,^{(E) 21} being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.^(F)

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,^(A) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,^(B) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform^(C) to the pattern of this world,^(D) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(E) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(F)—his good, pleasing^(G) and perfect will.

²⁹ If you belong to Christ,^(A) then you are Abraham’s seed,^(B) and heirs^(C) according to the promise.^(D)

³ Join with me in suffering,^(A) like a good soldier^(B) of Christ Jesus.

¹³ But encourage one another daily,^(A) as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.^{(B) 14} We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold^(C) our original conviction firmly to the very end.^(D)

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(A) For what children are not disciplined by their father?