8. But other people are like land that grows only thorns and weeds. It is worthless and in danger of being cursed by God. It will be destroyed by fire.
9. Dear friends, I am not saying this because I think it is happening to you. We really expect that you will do better—that you will do the good things that will result in your salvation.
10. God is fair, and he will remember all the work you have done. He will remember that you showed your love to him by helping his people and that you continue to help them.
11. We want each of you to be willing and eager to show your love like that the rest of your life. Then you will be sure to get what you hope for.
12. We don’t want you to be lazy. We want you to be like those who, because of their faith and patience, will get what God has promised.
13. God made a promise to Abraham. And there is no one greater than God, so he made the promise with an oath in his own name—an oath that he would do what he promised.
14. He said, “I will surely bless you. I will give you many descendants.”
15. Abraham waited patiently for this to happen, and later he received what God promised.
16. People always use the name of someone greater than themselves to make a promise with an oath. The oath proves that what they say is true, and there is no more arguing about it.