¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs^(A)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings^(B) in order that we may also share in his glory.^(C)

²⁰ But as for you, the Lord took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace,^(A) out of Egypt,^(B) to be the people of his inheritance,^(C) as you now are.

² But who can endure^(A) the day of his coming?^(B) Who can stand^(C) when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire^(D) or a launderer’s soap.^(E)

²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.^(A)

²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”^(A)

The Return to Antioch in Syria

²¹ They preached the gospel^(A) in that city and won a large number^(B) of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium^(C) and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.^(D) “We must go through many hardships^(E) to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

²⁹ For it has been granted to you^(A) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^(B) for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle^(C) you saw^(D) I had, and now hear^(E) that I still have.

¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(A) for the sake of the elect,^(B) that they too may obtain the salvation^(C) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(D)

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(E)

Dealing With False Teachers

¹⁴ Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;^(J) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.