[1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any
participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my
joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord
and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in
humility count others better than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not
only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have
this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though
he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be
grasped, [7] but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born
in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form he humbled
himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. [9]
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is
above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in
heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [12] Therefore, my
beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but
much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling; [13] for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his
good pleasure. [14] Do all things without grumbling or questioning, [15]
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in
the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as
lights in the world, [16] holding fast the word of life, so that in the day
of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17]
Even if I am to be poured as a libation upon the sacrificial offering of
your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18] Likewise you also
should be glad and rejoice with me. [19] I hope in the Lord Jesus to send
Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. [20] I have
no one like him, who will be genuinely anxious for your welfare. [21] They
all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But
Timothy's worth you know, how as a son with a father he has served with me
in the gospel. [23] I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how
it will go with me; [24] and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself
shall come also. [25] I have thought it necessary to send to you
Epaphrodi'tus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your
messenger and minister to my need, [26] for he has been longing for you
all, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. [27] Indeed
he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him
but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. [28] I am the more
eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and
that I may be less anxious. [29] So receive him in the Lord with all joy;
and honor such men, [30] for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking
his life to complete your service to me.
