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It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
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As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
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The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
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The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
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If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
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I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
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so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
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But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
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And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
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Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
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I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
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I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
