²⁶ So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

¹⁰ So, dear brothers and sisters,^[a] work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.

²¹ For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

⁵ And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.

²⁹ That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

²⁴ “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.

¹² That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him^[a] until the day of his return.

Advice for Elders and Young Men

5 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:

Promised Rest for God’s People

4 God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.

¹² For we^[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.