I believe that verse 9 applies to every born again believer today. We have to hold fast to what we have been taught. There is so much falseness in the world, that now more than ever, we have to hold on to the truth. Many will try to tell you that you don't have to be born again, but God's word tells us in John 3:3 that you must be born again. The world will tell us that if anyone hates you, you hate them. We are told in the word to love our enemies. The world will tell you to hoard up all the money you can. God's word tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Also in Matthew 16:26 it says, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose his own soul?" Some people only want preachers to preach what they want to hear. As children of God, we have to hold fast to what is true and stand up for what's right, regardless if we stand alone. We have to live what we believe. It is very important that we stand firm upon the word of God today, because it alone is truth.