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