Philippians 2 :: New International Version (NIV)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Phl 2:1Therefore 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,

Phl 2:2

Phl 2:2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Phl 2:3

Phl 2:3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Phl 2:4

Phl 2:4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Phl 2:5

Phl 2:5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Phl 2:6

Phl 2:6Who, being in very nature[fn] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

Phl 2:7

Phl 2:7rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[fn] of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Phl 2:8

Phl 2:8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Phl 2:9

Phl 2:9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

Phl 2:10

Phl 2:10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Phl 2:11

Phl 2:11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

Phl 2:12

Phl 2:12Therefore, 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,

Phl 2:13

Phl 2:13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Phl 2:14

Phl 2:14Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

Phl 2:15

Phl 2:15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[fn] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Phl 2:16

Phl 2:16as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Phl 2:17

Phl 2:17But 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.

Phl 2:18

Phl 2:18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

Phl 2:19

Phl 2:19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.

Phl 2:20

Phl 2:20I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.

Phl 2:21

Phl 2:21For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Phl 2:22

Phl 2:22But 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.

Phl 2:23

Phl 2:23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.

Phl 2:24

Phl 2:24And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Phl 2:25

Phl 2:25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Phl 2:26

Phl 2:26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.

Phl 2:27

Phl 2:27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

Phl 2:28

Phl 2:28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

Phl 2:29

Phl 2:29So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,

Phl 2:30

Phl 2:30because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

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