Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself as having gotten it. But one thing I say: I forget that which is behind and reach for that which is ahead, ¹⁴ and press on to that mark appointed, to obtain the reward of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as are sound in the faith, be so minded. And if you are otherwise minded, I pray God would open this to you.

¹⁶ Nevertheless, in that to which we have come, let us proceed by one rule so that we may be of one accord. ¹⁷ Brethren, be followers of me, and observe those who walk in the same way, since you have us for an example. ¹⁸ For many walk (of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping) as enemies of the cross of Christ, ¹⁹ whose end is damnation, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is to their shame – who are worldly-minded. ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven, from whence we look for a saviour, even the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will change our lowly bodies so that they may be fashioned like his glorious body, by the power with which he is able to subdue all things to himself.

He greets certain of them, exhorts them to live and bear themselves honourably, and thanks them for the provision that they made for him in prison.

4 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, continue in such a way in the Lord, beloveds.