Study Desk

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,

always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel.

For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

These do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose.

but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.

Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel,

not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance—and this is from God.

For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,

Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.

For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name,

For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.

Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn't run or labor for nothing.

For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests;

since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick.

For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice when you see him again and I may be less anxious.