4 A soldier on active service wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life.
5 An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules.
6 The farmer who has done the hard work should have the first share of the harvest.
7 Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will enable you to understand it all.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from death, who was a descendant of David, as is taught in the Good News I preach.
9 Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains,
10 and so I endure everything for the sake of God's chosen people, in order that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and brings eternal glory.