Study Desk

No Confidence in the Flesh

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,^(a) and it is a safeguard for you.

Watch out for those dogs,^(b) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.

For it is we who are the circumcision,^(c) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(d) and who put no confidence in the flesh—

though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(e) If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:

circumcised^(f) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(g) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(h) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;⁽ⁱ⁾

as for zeal,^(j) persecuting the church;^(k) as for righteousness based on the law,^(l) faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(m) for the sake of Christ.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing⁽ⁿ⁾ Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^(o)

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(p) but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness^(q) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^(r)

I want to know^(s) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(t) becoming like him in his death,^(u)

and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(v) from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(w) but I press on to take hold^(x) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^(y)

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(z) and straining toward what is ahead,

I press on^(aa) toward the goal to win the prize^(ab) for which God has called^(ac) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us, then, who are mature^(ad) should take such a view of things.^(ae) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^(af)

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Join together in following my example,^(ag) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.^(ah)

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,^(ai) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.^(aj)

Their destiny^(ak) is destruction, their god is their stomach,^(al) and their glory is in their shame.^(am) Their mind is set on earthly things.^(an)

But our citizenship^(ao) is in heaven.^(ap) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,^(aq)

who, by the power^(ar) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies^(as) so that they will be like his glorious body.^(at)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(a) my joy and crown, stand firm^(b) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(c) in the Lord.

Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(d) whose names are in the book of life.^(e)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^(f)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^(g)

Do not be anxious about anything,^(h) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.⁽ⁱ⁾

And the peace of God,^(j) which transcends all understanding,^(k) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(l) And the God of peace^(m) will be with you.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.⁽ⁿ⁾ Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(o) whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(p) whether living in plenty or in want.^(q)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(r)

Yet it was good of you to share^(s) in my troubles.

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days^(t) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,^(u) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;^(v)

for even when I was in Thessalonica,^(w) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.^(x)

Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^(y)

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(z) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(aa) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

And my God will meet all your needs^(ab) according to the riches of his glory^(ac) in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father^(ad) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(ae)

Greet all God's people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me^(af) send greetings.

All God's people^(ag) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^(ah) be with your spirit.^(ai) Amen.^[a]