Study Desk

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:

yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;

and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God;

for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state.

For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.

for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.

for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:

Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,

Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.

Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample.

For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.