Pressing On and Rejoicing in Peace — November 25

Philippians 3-4

Philippians 3

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.365N 329.1

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!365N 329.2

3 For we are the circumcision, who worship ^{[a]NU, M in the Spirit of God} God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,365N 329.3

4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:365N 329.4

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;365N 329.5

6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.365N 329.6

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.365N 329.7

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ365N 329.8

9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;365N 329.9

10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,365N 329.10

11 if, by any means, I may attain ^{[b]Lit. arrive at} to the resurrection from the dead.365N 329.11

12 Not that I have already attained, ^{[c]obtained it} or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.365N 329.12

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have ^{[d]laid hold of it} apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,365N 329.13

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.365N 329.14

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.365N 329.15

16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already ^[e]arrived attained, let us walk by the same ^{[f]NU omits rule and the rest of v. 16.} rule, let us be of the same mind.365N 329.16

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.365N 329.17

18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:365N 329.18

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.365N 329.19

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,365N 329.20

21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.365N 329.21

Philippians 4

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.365N 329.22

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.365N 329.23

3 ^{[a]NU, M Yes} And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.365N 329.24

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!365N 329.25

5 Let your ^{[b]graciousness or forbearance} gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.365N 329.26

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;365N 329.27

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.365N 329.28

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.365N 329.29

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.365N 329.30

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your ^{[c]you have revived your care} care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.365N 329.31

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:365N 329.32

12 I know how to ^{[d]live humbly} be abased, and I know how to ^{[e]live in prosperity} abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.365N 329.33

13 I can do all things through ^{[f]NU Him who} Christ who strengthens me.365N 329.34

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.365N 329.35

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.365N 329.36

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.365N 329.37

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.365N 329.38

18 Indeed I ^{[g]Or have received all} have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.365N 329.39

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.365N 329.40

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.365N 329.41

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.365N 329.42

22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.365N 329.43

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with ^{[h]NU your spirit} you all. Amen.365N 329.44