⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(A) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(B) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^{(C) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(D) but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness^(E) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^{(F) 10} I want to know^(G) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(H) becoming like him in his death,^{(I) 11} and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(J) from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(K) but I press on to take hold^(L) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(M) 13} Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(N) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(O) toward the goal to win the prize^(P) for which God has called^(Q) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature^(R) should take such a view of things.^(S) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^{(T) 16} Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

⁵ Put to death,^(A) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(B) sexual immorality,^(C) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(D) which is idolatry.^{(E) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(F) is coming.^{[a] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^{(G) 8} But now you must also rid yourselves^(H) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(I) and filthy language from your lips.^{(J) 9} Do not lie to each other,^(K) since you have taken off your old self^(L) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(M) which is being renewed^(N) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(O) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(P) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(Q) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(R) but Christ is all,^(S) and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(T) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(U) gentleness and patience.^{(V) 13} Bear with each other^(W) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(X) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(Y) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(Z)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(AA) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(AB) you were called to peace.^(AC) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(AD) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(AE) through psalms,^(AF) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(AG) 17} And whatever you do,^(AH) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(AI) to God the Father through him.

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run^(A) with perseverance^(B) the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus,^(C) the pioneer^(D) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,^(E) scorning its shame,^(F) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.^{(G) 3} Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary^(H) and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.^{(I) 5} And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(M) For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline^(N)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits^(O) and live!^{(P) 10} They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.^{(Q) 11} No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace^(R) for those who have been trained by it.

¹² Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.^{(S) 13} “Make level paths for your feet,”^[b](T) so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.^(U)