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who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
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but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
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And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
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Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
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that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
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and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
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for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
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Do all things without complaining and disputing,
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that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
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holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
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Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
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For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
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But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
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For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
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For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
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But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
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Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
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But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
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Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;
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since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
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For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
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Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
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Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
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because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.