Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks
Where Do You Put Your Confidence?
3 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To keep writing the same things to you is not troublesome for me—but for you it is a safeguard.
2 Beware of the dogs,[a] beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation. [b] 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship by the Ruach Elohim and glory in Messiah Yeshua and have not depended on the flesh— 4 though I myself might have confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he might depend on the flesh, I far more— 5 circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel; from the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the Torah, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting Messiah’s community; as for Torah righteousness, found blameless.
7 But whatever things were gain to me, these I have considered as loss for the sake of the Messiah. 8 More than that, I consider all things to be loss in comparison to the surpassing value of the knowledge of Messiah Yeshua my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things; and I consider them garbage[c] in order that I might gain Messiah 9 and be found in Him not having my righteousness derived from Torah, but one that is through trusting in Messiah—the righteousness from God based on trust. [d] 10 My aim is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the sharing of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death— 11 if somehow I might arrive at the resurrection from among the dead.
Pursuing the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or been perfected, but I press on if only I might take hold of that for which Messiah Yeshua took hold of me. [e] 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself as having taken hold of this. But this one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the reward of the upward calling of God in Messiah Yeshua. [f] 15 Therefore let all who are mature have this attitude; and if you have a different attitude in anything, this also God will reveal to you. 16 Nevertheless, let us live up to the same standard we have attained.
17 Brothers and sisters, join in following my example and notice those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. (18 For many walk who are enemies of the cross of Messiah—I have often told you about them, and now I am even weeping as I tell you. 19 Their end is destruction—their god is their belly and their glory is in their shame. They set their minds on earthly things.)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven,
and from there we eagerly wait for the Savior,
the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
21 He will transform this humble body of ours
into the likeness of His glorious body,
through the power that enables Him
even to put all things in subjection to Himself.
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and long for, my joy and crown—stand firm in the Lord in this way, my loved ones.
Rejoice in the Lord Always
2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to be in harmony in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, true companion,[g] to help these women—they labored side by side with me in spreading the Good News, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always—again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.[h]
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—put these things into practice, and the God of shalom will be with you.
The Secret of Contentment
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me (though you were concerned before but lacked opportunity to show it). 11 I am not saying this because I am in need—for whatever circumstance I am in, I have learned to be content. 12 I know what it is to live with humble means, and I know what it is to live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment—both to be filled and to go hungry, to have abundance and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Messiah[i] who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my trouble. 15 Now you Philippians also know that in the beginning of the Good News, when I left Macedonia, not a single community partnered with me in giving and receiving—except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent something for my need more than once. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but for fruit that overflows to your credit. 18 But I have received everything and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. [j] 19 My God will fulfill every need of yours according to the riches of His glory in Messiah Yeshua. 20 To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Final Greetings and Blessings
21 Greet all the kedoshim in Messiah Yeshua. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the kedoshim greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with your spirit.
Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.