17 Join together in following my example,(A) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.(B) 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,(C) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.(D) 19 Their destiny(E) is destruction, their god is their stomach,(F) and their glory is in their shame.(G) Their mind is set on earthly things.(H) 20 But our citizenship(I) is in heaven.(J) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,(K) 21 who, by the power(L) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies(M) so that they will be like his glorious body.(N)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,(O) my joy and crown, stand firm(P) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

17 Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross(A) of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory(B) is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things, 20 but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious(C) body,(D) by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.

Practical Counsel

So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown.(E) In this manner stand firm(F) in the Lord, dear friends.