THE CALL TO ENDURANCE

12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnessesf surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with enduranceg the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus,B the pioneer and perfecterC of our faith. For the joy that lay before him,D he endured the cross, despising the shame,h and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

FATHERLY DISCIPLINE

3 For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.i 4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:

My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly

or lose heart when you are reproved by him,

6 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves

and punishes every son he receives.E,j

7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receiveF—then you are illegitimate children and not sons.k 9 Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?l 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness.m 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruitn of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.o

12 Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees,p 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocatedG but healed instead.q

WARNING AGAINST REJECTING GOD’S GRACE

14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holinessr—without it no one will see the Lord.s