Philippians 1:14-2:15

New International Version

¹⁴And because of my chains,^(A) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(B)

¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^(C) ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(D) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^(E) ¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers^(F) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^(G) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^[a]^(H) ²⁰I eagerly expect^(I) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(J) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(K) whether by life or by death.^(L) ²¹For to me, to live is Christ^(M) and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(N) and be with Christ,^(O) which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(P) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(Q) in the one Spirit,^[b] striving together^(R) as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you^(S) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^(T) for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle^(U) you saw^(V) I had, and now hear^(W) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(X) if any tenderness and compassion,^(Y) ²then make my joy complete^(Z) by being like-minded,^(AA) having the same love, being one^(AB) in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(AC) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^(AD) ⁴not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(AE)

⁵In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:^(AF)

⁶Who, being in very nature^[c] God,^(AG)
    did not consider equality with God^(AH) something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷rather, he made himself nothing^(AI)
    by taking the very nature^[d] of a servant,^(AJ)
    being made in human likeness.^(AK)
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death^(AL)—
        even death on a cross!^(AM)

⁹Therefore God exalted him^(AN) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,^(AO)
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,^(AP)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,^(AQ)
¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,^(AR)
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^(AS) ¹³for it is God who works in you^(AT) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(AU)

¹⁴Do everything without grumbling^(AV) or arguing, ¹⁵so that you may become blameless^(AW) and pure, “children of God^(AX) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[e]^(AY) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky