-
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.
-
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
-
so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
-
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
-
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,
-
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
-
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
-
but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
-
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
-
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
-
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
-
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
-
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
-
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
-
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
-
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
-
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.
-
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.
-
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.
-
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
-
So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,
-
No Confidence in the Flesh
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
-
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
-
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;
-
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
