He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!

so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth –

For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need.

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.

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.

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

but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature.

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.

I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee.

and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness – a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness.

Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, they exult in their shame, and they think about earthly things.

with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

but it is more vital for your sake that I remain in the body.

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

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.

As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways.

Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.