³² Remember those earlier days after you had received the light,^(A) when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.^(B)

God Disciplines His Children

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

⁴ It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened,^(A) who have tasted the heavenly gift,^(B) who have shared in the Holy Spirit,^(C)

⁷ I have fought the good fight,^(A) I have finished the race,^(B) I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me^(C) the crown of righteousness,^(D) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(E)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(F)

³ Join with me in suffering,^(A) like a good soldier^(B) of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown^(C) except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.^{(D) 7} Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,^(E) descended from David.^(F) This is my gospel,^{(G) 9} for which I am suffering^(H) even to the point of being chained^(I) like a criminal. But God’s word^(J) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(K) for the sake of the elect,^(L) that they too may obtain the salvation^(M) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(N)

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(O)