Philippians 2
(1) Think Selflessly
If there’s any comforting about being in the Chosen One,
If there’s anything encouraging about love,
If there’s anything intimate about the Spirit,
If there’s any drop of affection and compassion…
Then fill my happiness tank by having the same mindset as each other, the same love, and the same thoughts. Be of one mind. Don’t do anything because of selfish motives or pridefulness. Instead, do things with a humble attitude, viewing others as higher-ranking than yourself. Don’t just think about your own individual interests—think about the interests of others too. Adopt this mentality, and know that it’s the same mentality that Jesus had. Even though He existed in God form, He didn’t view “sameness with God” as something to grab hold of. Instead, He emptied Himself, took on the form of an indentured servant, and was made to resemble a human being. Finding Himself in human form, He obediently made Himself lowly—even to the point of dying a criminal’s death on a cross. And that’s why God promoted Him to the highest position and gave Him the name that surpasses everyone else’s. At the name “Jesus,”
“Every knee will bow”
—Isaiah 45:23
And every mouth will admit that Jesus, the Chosen One, is the ultimate authority. When everyone does that, it will show how radiant Father God is.
(12) Partner with God for Salvation
My loved ones, you guys have always followed God’s instructions—not just when I’m around, but even more so now that I’m not there. Keep it up. And work hard at bringing about your salvation with fear and trembling. After all, God is the one working in you, affecting your desires and inspiring you to do the work. And it makes God happy to do that.
(14) Stand Out for God
Whenever you do anything, make sure you do it without grumbling or inwardly questioning. That will prove that you’re blameless and flawless. Prove that God is your dad and that you’re flawless in the midst of a twisted and distorted generation. In their midst, you guys shine like the stars of the galaxy. Cling to the concept of life and its teachings.
That way, when the Chosen One’s day arrives, I’ll be able to brag about how all the hard work it took to run this race wasn’t in vain. I’m making lots of sacrifices to develop your faith, but I’d be happy to do it even if I just end up being poured out like a beverage offered to God. And I’ll gladly share that happiness with you guys. And that should make you happy too, and you can share your happiness with me.
(19) Paul Wants to Check up on the Philippians
I expectantly look to Jesus as I hope to send Timothy to visit you soon. I’ll be encouraged to hear an update on how you guys are doing. Timothy is the only one I have whose genuine concern for your well-being equals my own. Everyone else just chases after their own interests instead of sharing the same interests as the Chosen One. And you know about how Timothy has proven himself—he slaved with me to advance the good news as if he were my son. And that’s why I hope to send him at once—as soon as I see how things go with me. And I trust in the Ruler that I’ll soon be visiting you too. I thought I’d have to send Epaphroditus to you. He’s my fellow believer, fellow worker, and fellow soldier. He’s also a missionary to you who willingly serves whenever I have a need. He really wanted to see you guys, and it upset him to know that you heard about his illness. He really was so sick that he could have died, but God had compassion on him (and God had compassion on me too, because if he would have died, I would have been overwhelmed with sadness). I sent him as fast as I could so you could celebrate with him and I could be less concerned for you. When he arrives, give him a warm welcome in the Ruler. When you meet other people like him, make sure you value them highly. He almost died doing the Chosen One’s work, risking his life to pick up your slack in serving me.