For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly.

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:

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that – whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent – I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence,

so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world

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.

But you know his qualifications, that like a son working with his father, he served with me in advancing the gospel.

since it was because of the work of Christ that he almost died. He risked his life so that he could make up for your inability to serve me.

Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh!

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

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.

for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,

since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.

complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose.

for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.

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.

But for now I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother, coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to me in my need.

But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ.