9. Dear friends, we are saying this to you. But we really expect better things from you that will lead to your salvation.
10. God is fair. He will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people. And he will remember that you are still helping them.
11. We want each of you to go on with the same hard work all your lives. Then you will surely get what you hope for.
12. We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who have faith and patience. They will receive what God has promised.
13. God made a promise to Abraham. And as there is no one greater than God, he used himself when he swore to Abraham.
14. He said, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”
15. Abraham waited patiently for this to happen. And he received what God promised.
16. People always use the name of someone greater than themselves when they swear. The oath proves that what they say is true. And this ends all arguing about what they say.
17. God wanted to prove that his promise was true. He wanted to prove this to those who would get what he promised. He wanted them to understand clearly that his purposes never change. So God proved his promise by also making an oath.