Grace and Perseverance (Hebrews 12:1–3)
1 AKJV You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. BSB BSB: You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 AKJV And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. BSB BSB: And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
3 AKJV You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. BSB BSB: Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 AKJV No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. BSB BSB: A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
5 AKJV And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. BSB BSB: Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
6 AKJV The farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. BSB BSB: The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.
7 AKJV Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things. BSB BSB: Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.
8 AKJV Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: BSB BSB: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,
9 AKJV Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even to bonds; but the word of God is not bound. BSB BSB: for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
10 AKJV Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. BSB BSB: For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 AKJV It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: BSB BSB: This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12 AKJV If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: BSB BSB: if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;
13 AKJV If we believe not, yet he stays faithful: he cannot deny himself. BSB BSB: if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
The Lord’s Approved Workman 14 AKJV Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. BSB BSB: Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
15 AKJV Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. BSB BSB: Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
16 AKJV But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness. BSB BSB: But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
17 AKJV And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; BSB BSB: and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 AKJV Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. BSB BSB: who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.
19 AKJV Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. BSB BSB: Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
20 AKJV But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. BSB BSB: A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.
21 AKJV If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared to every good work. BSB BSB: So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
22 AKJV Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. BSB BSB: Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 AKJV But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do engender strifes. BSB BSB: But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
24 AKJV And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, BSB BSB: And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
25 AKJV In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; BSB BSB: He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
26 AKJV And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. BSB BSB: Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.