⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(A) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(B) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^{(C) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(D) but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness^(E) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^{(F) 10} I want to know^(G) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(H) becoming like him in his death,^{(I) 11} and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(J) from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(K) but I press on to take hold^(L) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(M) 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^(N) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(O) toward the goal to win the prize^(P) for which God has called^(Q) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run^(A) with perseverance^(B) the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus,^(C) the pioneer^(D) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,^(E) scorning its shame,^(F) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.^{(G) 3} Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary^(H) and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.^(I)

¹² Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.^{(A) 13} “Make level paths for your feet,”^[a](B) so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.^(C)

Warning and Encouragement

¹⁴ Make every effort to live in peace with everyone^(D) and to be holy;^(E) without holiness no one will see the Lord.^(F)

²⁰ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.^{(A) 21} Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.^(B)

²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love^(C) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^(D) out of a pure heart.^{(E) 23} Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^{(F) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(G) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(H) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(I) who has taken them captive to do his will.