Be Like Christ

2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any ^(A)fellowship of the Spirit, if any ^[a](B)affection and compassion, ^2 (C)make my joy complete ^[b]by ^(D)being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing ^[c]from ^[d](E)selfishness or ^(F)empty conceit, but with humility of mind ^(G)regard one another as more important than yourselves; ^4 (H)do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ^5 (I)Have this attitude ^[e]in yourselves which was also in ^(J)Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although He ^(K)existed in the ^(L)form of God, ^(M)did not regard equality with God a thing to be ^[f]grasped, ⁷ but ^[g](N)emptied Himself, taking the form of a ^(O)bond-servant, and ^(P)being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, ^(Q)He humbled Himself by becoming ^(R)obedient to the point of death, even ^(S)death ^[h]on a cross.

God’s Provisions

¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last ^(A)you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak ^[a]from want, for I have learned to be ^[b](B)content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going ^(C)hungry, both of having abundance and ^(D)suffering need. ¹³ I can do all things ^[c]through Him who ^(E)strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, you have done well to ^(F)share with me in my affliction.

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great ^(A)high priest who has ^(B)passed through the heavens, Jesus ^(C)the Son of God, let us hold fast our ^(D)confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have ^(E)a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been ^(F)tempted in all things as we are, yet ^(G)without sin. ¹⁶ Therefore let us ^(H)draw near with ^(I)confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Faith and Works

^14 (A)What use is it, ^(B)my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can ^[a]that faith save him? ^15 (C)If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “^(D)Go in peace, ^[b]be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? ¹⁷ Even so ^(E)faith, if it has no works, is ^[c]dead, being by itself.

Faith and Works

^14 (A)What use is it, ^(B)my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can ^[a]that faith save him? ^15 (C)If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “^(D)Go in peace, ^[b]be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? ¹⁷ Even so ^(E)faith, if it has no works, is ^[c]dead, being by itself.