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Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
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Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Thanksgiving and Prayer
I thank my God every time I remember you.
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In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
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It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
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God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
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filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
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And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
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for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
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I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
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Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
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so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
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without 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.
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Imitating Christ’s Humility
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
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In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
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Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
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Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
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and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Do Everything Without Grumbling
Therefore, 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,
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for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
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Do everything without grumbling or arguing,
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so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
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But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
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So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
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But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
