Study Desk

because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-

though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

But whatever was an asset to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.

More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.

For as I have often told you before, and now declare even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.

For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs once and again.

Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints-

the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, about which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel