²⁴ “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door,^(A) because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

The Narrow and Wide Gates

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate.^(A) For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] make every effort to confirm your calling^(A) and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,^(B)

¹¹ Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.^(A)

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)

³¹ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before^(A) you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy^(B) for unjust gain.^(C)

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^{(A) 13} for it is God who works in you^(B) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(C)

³⁶ Be always on the watch, and pray^(A) that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures^(A) to eternal life,^(B) which the Son of Man^(C) will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal^(D) of approval.”