The Call to Endurance

12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses s surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance t the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, u the source and perfecter v of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him w endured a cross and despised the shame x and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.

Fatherly Discipline

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. y 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 faint when you are reproved by Him,

6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves

and punishes every son He receives. z a

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 b receive c—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. d 9 Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? e 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. f 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace g and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. h