¹⁷ Brothers and sisters,^[a] join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. ¹⁸ For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. ¹⁹ Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. ²⁰ But our citizenship^[b] is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹ He will transform the body of our humiliation^[c] so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory,^[d] by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

4 ¹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.