¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope^(A) for may be fully realized. ¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate^(B) those who through faith and patience^(C) inherit what has been promised.^(D)

⁷ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor^(A) and immortality,^(B) he will give eternal life.^(C)

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(A) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(B) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(C) in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously^(D) contend^(E) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.^(F)

The Need for Self-Discipline

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?^(A) Run^(B) in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown^(C) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.^{(D) 26} Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(E) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^{(F) 27} No, I strike a blow to my body^(G) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.^(H)

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(A) but I press on to take hold^(B) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(C) 13} Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(D) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(E) toward the goal to win the prize^(F) for which God has called^(G) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings,^(A) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^{(B) 4} perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope^(C) does not put us to shame, because God’s love^(D) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,^(E) who has been given to us.

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good,^(A) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^(B)