Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Run Straight Toward the Goal

3 Now then, brothers and sisters, be joyful in the Lord. It’s no trouble for me to write the same things to you, and it’s for your safety. ² Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on circumcision. ³ We are the true circumcised people of God because we serve God’s Spirit and take pride in Christ Yeshua. We don’t place any confidence in physical things, ⁴ although I could have confidence in my physical qualifications. If anyone else thinks that he can trust in something physical, I can claim even more. ⁵ I was circumcised on the eighth day. I’m a descendant of Israel. I’m from the tribe of Benjamin. I’m a pure-blooded Hebrew. When it comes to following Jewish laws, I was a Pharisee. ⁶ When it comes to being enthusiastic, I was a persecutor of the church. When it comes to winning God’s approval by obeying Jewish laws, I was perfect.

⁷ These things that I once considered valuable, I now consider worthless for Christ. ⁸ It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Yeshua my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ ⁹ and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn’t receive God’s approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God’s approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith ¹⁰ that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I’m becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ with the confidence that I’ll come back to life from the dead.

¹² It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Yeshua Christ has already won for me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and ¹⁴ I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Yeshua.

¹⁵ Whoever has a mature faith should think this way. And if you think differently, God will show you how to think. ¹⁶ However, we should be guided by what we have learned so far.

Imitate Me

¹⁷ Brothers and sisters, imitate me, and pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you. ¹⁸ I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, that many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ In the end they will be destroyed. Their own emotions are their god, and they take pride in the shameful things they do. Their minds are set on worldly things. ²⁰ We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Yeshua Christ coming from heaven as our Savior. ²¹ Through his power to bring everything under his authority, he will change our humble bodies and make them like his glorified body.

Paul’s Advice

4 So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm!

² I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. ³ Yes, I also ask you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Always Be Joyful

⁴ Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! ⁵ Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. ⁶ Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. ⁷ Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Yeshua.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. ⁹ Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.

Thanks for Your Gifts

¹⁰ The Lord has filled me with joy because you again showed interest in me. You were interested but did not have an opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. ¹² I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. ¹³ I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles.

¹⁵ You Philippians also know that in the early days, when I left the province of Macedonia to spread the Good News, you were the only church to share your money with me. You gave me what I needed, and you received what I gave you. ¹⁶ Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs twice. ¹⁷ It’s not that I’m looking for a gift. The opposite is true. I’m looking for your resources to increase. ¹⁸ You have paid me in full, and I have more than enough. Now that Epaphroditus has brought me your gifts, you have filled my needs. Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased. ¹⁹ My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Yeshua. ²⁰ Glory belongs to our God and Father forever! Amen.

²¹ Greet everyone who believes in Christ Yeshua. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings to you. ²² All God’s people here, especially those in the emperor’s palace, greet you. ²³ May the good will^[a] of our Lord Yeshua Christ be with you.