Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1 Finally, my brothers,^{1 r}rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the ^sdogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who ^tmutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the ^ucircumcision, who ^vworship by the Spirit of God² and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the ^wflesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. ^xIf anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the ^yeighth day, ^zof the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a ^aHebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a ^bPharisee; 6 as to ^czeal, a ^dpersecutor of the church; as to ^erighteousness under the law,³ blameless. 7 But whatever ^fgain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, ^gI count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. ^hFor his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a ⁱrighteousness of my own that comes from the law, but ^jthat which comes through ^kfaith in Christ, the ^lrighteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the ^mpower of his resurrection, and may ⁿshare his sufferings, ^obecoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may ^pattain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already ^qperfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: ^rforgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 ^sI press on toward the goal for the ^tprize of the upward ^ucall of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are ^vmature think this way, and if in anything ^wyou think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, ^xjoin in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 ^yTheir end is destruction, their god is their ^zbelly, and they glory in their shame, with ^aminds set on earthly things. 20 But ^bour citizenship is ^cin heaven, and ^dfrom it we ^eawait a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will ^ftransform our ^glowly body to be ^hlike his ⁱglorious body, ^jby the power that enables him even to subject ^kall things to himself.

1 Therefore, my brothers,⁴ whom I love and long for, my ^ljoy and crown, ^mstand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to ⁿagree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,⁵ help these women, who have ^olabored⁶ side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the ^pbook of life.

4 ^qRejoice in the Lord ^ralways; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness⁷ be known to everyone. The Lord is ^sat hand; 6 ^tdo not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication ^uwith thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the ^vpeace of God, which ^wsurpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 ^xWhat you have learned⁸ and ^yreceived and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provision

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be ^zcontent. 12 I know ^ahow to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who ^bstrengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share⁹ my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that ^cin the beginning of the gospel, ^dwhen I left Macedonia, ^eno church entered into ^fpartnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the ^gfruit that increases to your credit.¹⁰ 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And ^hmy God will supply every need of yours according to his ⁱriches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 ^jTo our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 ^kAll the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

The Faithful Have Vanished

To the choirmaster: according to The Sheminith.¹ A Psalm of David.