The last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16 Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. Matthew 20:8b

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

Apostles are fathers ...

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last ... for though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers. 1 Corinthians 4:9, 15

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12

for which Paul felt we needed warned.

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 1 Corinthians 4:14

Fathers, forgive the children.

Remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time. Jude 1:17-18a

Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1b-3 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

Children, fall into rank.

It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:26

He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. Ephesians 4:11

Each is to serve, within their ministry, toward this common goal ...

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12

For as long as it takes to get the job done ...

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13

or, forever.

Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Ephesians 6:6

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. Isaiah 66:22 (Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23)