Grace and Perseverance (Hebrews 12:1–3)
1 DRA Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus: BSB BSB: You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 DRA And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit 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 DRA Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. BSB BSB: Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 DRA No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses; that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself. BSB BSB: A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
5 DRA For he also that striveth for the mastery, is not crowned, except he strive lawfully. BSB BSB: Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
6 DRA The husbandman, that laboureth, must first partake of the fruits. BSB BSB: The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.
7 DRA Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding. BSB BSB: Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.
8 DRA Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel. BSB BSB: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,
9 DRA Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer; 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 DRA Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly 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 DRA A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him. BSB BSB: This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
12 DRA If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. BSB BSB: if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;
13 DRA If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he can not deny himself. BSB BSB: if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
The Lord’s Approved Workman 14 DRA Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words, for it is 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 DRA Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling 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 DRA But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness. BSB BSB: But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
17 DRA And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus: BSB BSB: and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 DRA Who have erred from the truth, saying, that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted 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 DRA But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord. 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 DRA But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour. 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 DRA If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto 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 DRA But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity, and 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 DRA And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes. BSB BSB: But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
24 DRA But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild towards 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 DRA With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know 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 DRA And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive 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.