[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to
you is not irksome to me, and is safe for you. [2] Look out for the dogs,
look out for the evil-workers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
[3] For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, and glory
in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. [4] Though I myself
have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If any other man thinks he
has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the
eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew
born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee, [6] as to zeal a persecutor of
the church, as to righteousness under the law blameless. [7] But whatever
gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] Indeed I count
everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus
my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count
them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him,
not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is
through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith;
[10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share
his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that if possible I may
attain the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already
obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own,
because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brethren, I do not consider
that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind
and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal
for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of
us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise
minded, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to
what we have attained. [17] Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those
who so live as you have an example in us. [18] For many, of whom I have
often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the
cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and
they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [20] But our
commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus
Christ, [21] who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body,
by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself.
