Philippians 1:27-2:18

New International Version

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(A) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(B) in the one Spirit,^[a] striving together^(C) as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you^(D) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^(E) for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle^(F) you saw^(G) I had, and now hear^(H) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(I) if any tenderness and compassion,^(J) ²then make my joy complete^(K) by being like-minded,^(L) having the same love, being one^(M) in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(N) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^(O) ⁴not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(P)

⁵In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:^(Q)

⁶Who, being in very nature^[b] God,^(R)
    did not consider equality with God^(S) something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷rather, he made himself nothing^(T)
    by taking the very nature^[c] of a servant,^(U)
    being made in human likeness.^(V)
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death^(W)—
        even death on a cross!^(X)

⁹Therefore God exalted him^(Y) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,^(Z)
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,^(AA)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,^(AB)
¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,^(AC)
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^(AD) ¹³for it is God who works in you^(AE) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(AF)

¹⁴Do everything without grumbling^(AG) or arguing, ¹⁵so that you may become blameless^(AH) and pure, “children of God^(AI) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[d]^(AJ) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(AK) that I did not run^(AL) or labor in vain.^(AM) ¹⁷But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(AN) on the sacrifice^(AO) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^(AP) ¹⁸So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.