Philippians 2:1-30, NLT
Philippians 2
Have the Attitude of Christ
1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
5You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6Though he was God,*2:6 Or Being in the form of God.
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7Instead, he gave up his divine privileges*2:7a Greek he emptied himself.;
he took the humble position of a slave*2:7b Or the form of a slave.
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,*2:7c Some English translations put this phrase in verse 8.
8he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Shine Brightly for Christ
12Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
14Do everything without complaining and arguing,
Paul Commends Timothy
19If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along.
Paul Commends Epaphroditus
25Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need.
28So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.