I encountered this verse in studying the faith of Abraham (he is mentioned in verse 13).
It has been rolling around in my mind and is starting to bear fruit in my life.
Here it is in the ESV:
And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Here it is broken out according the internal structure:
We desire
each one of you
to show the same earnestness
to have the full assurance
of hope until the end,
so that
you may not be sluggish,
but
be imitators of those who
through
faith
and
patience
inherit the promises.
What is the controlling desire?
That each one inherit the promises.
What is necessary for the accomplishment of that desire?
Earnestness and assurance of hope until the end
What will that enduring earnestness lead to?
Rejection of sluggishness
Imitation of those who are faithful and patient