But rememberthe formerdays,when,after being enlightened,you endureda greatconflictof sufferings,
to opentheir eyesso that they may turnfrom darknessto lightand from the dominionof Satanto God,that they may receiveforgivenessof sinsand an inheritanceamongthosewho have been sanctifiedby faithin Me.'
rejoicingin hope,perseveringin tribulation,devotedto prayer,
For God,who said,"Lightshall shineout of darkness,"is the One whohas shonein our heartsto give the Lightof the knowledgeof the gloryof Godin the faceof Christ.
however,let us keep livingby that same[standard] to whichwe have attained.
For I wantyou to knowhow greata struggleI haveon your behalfand for thosewhoare at Laodicea,and for all those whohave not personallyseenmy face,
You have not yetresistedto the pointof shedding bloodin your strivingagainstsin;
For thoughby thistimeyou oughtto be teachers,you haveneedagainfor someoneto teachyou the elementaryprinciplesof the oraclesof God,and you have cometo needmilkand not solidfood.
For Godis not unjustso as to forgetyour workand the lovewhichyou have showntowardHis name,in having ministeredand in still ministeringto the saints.
For in the case of thosewho have oncebeen enlightenedand have tastedof the heavenlygiftand have been madepartakersof the HolySpirit,
Watchyourselves,that you do not losewhatwe have accomplished,but that you may receivea fullreward.
Thereforerememberfrom whereyou have fallen,and repentand dothe deedsyou did at first;orelseI am comingto you and will removeyour lampstandout of its place--unlessyou repent.
Sorememberwhatyou have receivedand heard;and keep[it], and repent.Thereforeifyou do not wakeup, I will comelikea thief,and you will not knowat whathourI will cometo you.
