who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,

Others are busy with their own concerns, not those of Jesus Christ.

The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment.

Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer:

For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him,

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.

I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.

by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.

In fact he became so ill that he nearly died. But God showed mercy to him – and not to him only, but also to me – so that I would not have grief on top of grief.

Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials

Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.