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

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

Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.

I thank my God every time I remember you.

and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

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.

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.

I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.

For God is my witness that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

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

For there is no one here like him who will readily demonstrate his deep concern for you.

For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things – indeed, I regard them as dung! – that I may gain Christ,

Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near!

All the saints greet you, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ,

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