2 John 1:8

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you do not lose what we [Note: Some Greek manuscripts say “you”] worked for [i.e., the spiritual blessings you have acquired], but [continue faithful] so that you will receive a full reward. [See Luke 12:47-48; James 3:1; Matt. 20:1-15].

Cross References

Matthew 24:4

And Jesus answered them, “Pay attention so that no one leads you astray [from the truth].

Mark 13:23

But pay attention, for I have told you [all this] ahead of time.

Mark 13:9

“But pay attention to yourselves, for people will turn you over to [Jewish] councils [i.e., for judgment] and you will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings for being loyal to me. [This will afford you an opportunity] for witnessing to them.

Luke 19:19

And the gentleman said to him also, ‘You [will] have charge over five towns.’

Luke 21:8

And He replied, “Pay attention, so that you are not led astray [from the truth]. For many [false teachers] will come, claiming to be me, and saying, ‘I am [the Christ],’ and ‘The time is near.’ [But] do not go after them.

John 4:36

Already the person who is harvesting [the crop] is being paid for his work, and is gathering a crop for never ending life, so that the one planting and the one harvesting [the crop] may rejoice together.

1 Corinthians 15:8

Then last of all, He appeared to me also, as someone born abnormally. [Note: This probably refers to Paul being converted later than the rest of the apostles].

1 Corinthians 3:14

If the work of anyone lasts [i.e., if his converts are judged faithful], he will receive a reward [i.e., his converts will constitute part of his reward].

1 Corinthians 3:8

Now the person who plants and the person who waters have the same [purpose], and each one will receive his own wages, according to the work each one does.

Galatians 3:4

Did you suffer so many things [for the faith] all for nothing? [That is], if it really was for nothing?

Galatians 4:11

I am afraid for you, [i.e., for your spiritual safety], that possibly I may have spent a lot of effort on your behalf for nothing.

Philippians 3:16

So, we should continue living by the same [standard] that we have [already] attained.

Hebrews 10:32

But remember the earlier days when, after you were enlightened [to the truth], you endured a difficult struggle by having to suffer [much].

Hebrews 10:35

[So], do not throw away your confidence, because it pays a rich reward.

Hebrews 12:15

Look carefully [at how you are living] so that no one falls away from God’s unearned favor, and that no “poisonous plant sprouts up” to cause trouble and corrupt many people [Note: This is an analogy from Deut. 29:16-18 being used as a warning against the evil influence of wicked people],

Revelation 3:11

I am coming soon [or, suddenly. See 2:16, 25; 3:3]. Hold on firmly to what you have [i.e., opportunity, obedience, steadfastness, etc.] so that no one takes away your crown [See 2:10].