Study Desk

Finally, my brothers, rejoice^(a) in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you.

Watch out for "dogs,"^[a] watch out for evil^(b) workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.

For we are the circumcision,^(c) the ones who serve by the Spirit^(d) of God, boast in Christ Jesus,^(e) and do not put confidence in the flesh—

although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

circumcised the eighth day;^(f) of the nation of Israel,^(g) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(h) a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law,⁽ⁱ⁾ a Pharisee;

regarding zeal,^(j) persecuting^(k) the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law,^(l) blameless.^(m)

But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ.

More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value⁽ⁿ⁾ of knowing Christ^(o) Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ^(p)

and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law,^(q) but one that is through faith in Christ^[b]—the righteousness from God based on faith.^(r)

My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings,^(s) being conformed to His death,^(t)

assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold^(u) of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Brothers, I do not^[c] consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(v) and reaching forward to what is ahead,

I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly^[d] call in Christ Jesus.^(w)

Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal^(x) this also to you.

In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.

Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.

For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross^(y) of Christ.

Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory^(z) is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things,

but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious^(aa) body,^(ab) by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.

So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown.^(a) In this manner stand firm^(b) in the Lord, dear friends.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

Yes, I also ask you, true partner,^[a] to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.^(c)

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses^(d) every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(e)

Finally brothers, whatever is true,^(f) whatever is honorable,^(g) whatever is just,^(h) whatever is pure,⁽ⁱ⁾ whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence^(j) and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.

Do what you have learned and received^(k) and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again^(l) you renewed your care for me.^(m) You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it.

I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot.⁽ⁿ⁾ In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.

I am able to do all things through Him^[b] who strengthens me.^(o)

Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

And you Philippians^(p) know that in the early days of the gospel,^(q) when I left Macedonia,^(r) no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone.

For even in Thessalonica^(s) you sent gifts for my need^(t) several times.

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit^[c](u) that is increasing to your account.

But I have received everything in full,^(v) and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus^(w) what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing^(x) to God.

And my God^(y) will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Now to our God and Father^(z) be glory forever and ever.^(aa) Amen.^(ab)

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Those brothers who are with me greet you.

All the saints greet you, but especially those from Caesar's^(ac) household.^(ad)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^[d](ae)