For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I persecuted God’s church to an extreme degree and tried to destroy it.

You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires;

The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.

Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.