From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. To all God's people who belong to Christ Jesus at Philippi and to all your bishops and deacons.

This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.

God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail.

God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows I care for you in the same way Christ Jesus does.

how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day,

What Life Means to Paul

My dear friends, I want you to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the good news.

The Roman guards and all the others know I am here in jail because I serve Christ.

Some are preaching about Christ because they are jealous and envious of us. Others are preaching because they want to help.

But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail.

But that doesn't matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. This is what makes me glad. I will keep on being glad,

because I know that your prayers and the help that comes from the Spirit of Christ Jesus will keep me safe.

I don't know what to choose. I could keep on living and doing something useful.

But I know that all of you still need me. This is why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith.

Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.

Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all of this happen,

and he has blessed you. Not only do you have faith in Christ, but you suffer for him.

You saw me suffer, and you still hear about my troubles. Now you must suffer in the same way.

True Humility

Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God's Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.

Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.

and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought:

Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us.

So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

Lights in the World

My dear friends, you always obeyed when I was with you. Now that I am away, you should obey even more. So work with fear and trembling to discover what it really means to be saved.

Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world,