1 T herefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

2 f ulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 L et nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

4 L et each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. The Humbled and Exalted Christ

5 L et this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 w ho, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

7 b ut made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

8 A nd being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

9 T herefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,

10 t hat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

11 a nd that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Light Bearers

12 T herefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

13 f or it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 D o all things without complaining and disputing,

15 t hat you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

16 h olding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Y es, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

18 F or the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. Timothy Commended

19 B ut I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

20 F or I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

21 F or all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

22 B ut you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

23 T herefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.

24 B ut I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. Epaphroditus Praised

25 Y et I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

26 s ince he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

27 F or indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 T herefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

29 R eceive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;

30 b ecause for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.