Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(A) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(B) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(C) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(D) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(E)

³ For it is we who are the circumcision,^(A) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(B) and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(C)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised^(D) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(E) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(F) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^{(G) 6} as for zeal,^(H) persecuting the church;^(I) as for righteousness based on the law,^(J) faultless.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(K) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(L) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^{(M) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(N) but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness^(O) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^(P)

³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(A) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^{(B) 4} not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(C)

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:^(D)

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything,^(A) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(B) 7} And the peace of God,^(C) which transcends all understanding,^(D) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(A) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(B)

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^{(C) 17} The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(D) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^{(E) 18} But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

¹⁰ I want to know^(A) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(B) becoming like him in his death,^{(C) 11} and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(D) from the dead.