Philippians 2:1-13

New International Reader's Version

Being Humble Like Christ

2 So does belonging to Christ help you in any way? Does his love comfort you at all? Do you share anything in common because of the Holy Spirit? Has Christ ever been gentle and loving toward you? ²If any of these things has happened to you, then agree with one another. Have the same love. Be one in spirit and in the way you think and act. By doing this, you will make my joy complete. ³Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves. ⁴None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others.

⁵As you deal with one another, you should think and act as Jesus did.

⁶In his very nature he was God.
    Jesus was equal with God. But Jesus didn’t take advantage of that fact.
⁷Instead, he made himself nothing.
    He did this by taking on the nature of a servant.
    He was made just like human beings.
⁸He appeared as a man.
    He was humble and obeyed God completely.
    He did this even though it led to his death.
        Even worse, he died on a cross!

⁹So God lifted him up to the highest place.
    God gave him the name that is above every name.
¹⁰When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone will kneel down to worship him.
    Everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will kneel down to worship him.
¹¹Everyone’s mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord.
    And God the Father will receive the glory.

Live Without Complaining

¹²My dear friends, you have always obeyed God. You obeyed while I was with you. And you have obeyed even more while I am not with you. So continue to work out your own salvation. Do it with fear and trembling. ¹³God is working in you. He wants your plans and your acts to fulfill his good purpose.

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