5. And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down).
6. [It is] the hard-working farmer [who labors to produce] who must be the first partaker of the fruits.
7. Think over these things I am saying [understand them and grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything.
8. Constantly keep in mind Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied King] descended from David, according to the good news (the Gospel) that I preach. [Ps. 16:10.]
9. For that [Gospel] I am suffering affliction and even wearing chains like a criminal. But the Word of God is not chained or imprisoned!
10. Therefore I [am ready to] persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect [God's chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.