Selections from Philippians in The Message version
1st Reading from Philippians 4 in The Message
To the Christians at Philipppi - from the Apostle Paul:
Celebrate God all day, every day! And do not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray! Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your lives.
Also, do your best to fill your minds and hearts with things that are noble, reputable, authentic, compelling and gracious. Focus on the best in life, not the worst, on what is beautiful – not ugly, consider things to praise, not curse at. And put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God – who makes all things work together for good – will give you a blessing.
3rd Reading from Philippians 1 and 2 in The Message
Every time I think of you, I offer abundant thanks to God. I also find myself praying for you – with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued to believe in and proclaim the Good news – from my first day with you right up to the present. I am convinced that God, who began a good work in you, will keep on helping you flourish until Christ Jesus, our Lord, returns for us.
I know that as long as I am in this body, there will be more of the Lord’s work to do. And it is through your faithful prayers and God’s wonderful Holy Spirit that I will be able to keep running this course of faith God has set before me.
Meanwhile I beg all of you to live a life that models the Good News. Let nothing in your conduct depend on whether I come to you or not. You should be on your best behavior whether I show up to see you for myself or hear about you from a distance. Stand united, be singular in your vision, and do not flinch or dodge at all should you encounter opposition. Your courage and unity will bring defeat to any trouble makers who come your way, with God’s help, you will have the victory. Give all credit to God when this happens and realize that suffering and struggles are a part of the Christian life.
What I am getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you have done from the beginning. While I have lived among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that we are to be separated, stay the course. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, and reverent and humble before God. And when you go out into the world, be a fresh breath of air. Give people a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light giving message about Jesus. You will be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work among you – in vain!
Very soon I will be sending you my good friend and companion in the ministry to you. Make my heart glad by giving him a grand welcome and a joyful embrace.
My dear, dear friends, you can be sure that God will take care of all of your needs, and mine as well. I love you all so much. You have filled me with such joy and pride. Don’t waver; stay on track, steady and steadfast in God.
To the Christians at Philipppi - from the Apostle Paul:
Celebrate God all day, every day! And do not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray! Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your lives.
Also, do your best to fill your minds and hearts with things that are noble, reputable, authentic, compelling and gracious. Focus on the best in life, not the worst, on what is beautiful – not ugly, consider things to praise, not curse at. And put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God – who makes all things work together for good – will give you a blessing.
3rd Reading from Philippians 1 and 2 in The Message
Every time I think of you, I offer abundant thanks to God. I also find myself praying for you – with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued to believe in and proclaim the Good news – from my first day with you right up to the present. I am convinced that God, who began a good work in you, will keep on helping you flourish until Christ Jesus, our Lord, returns for us.
I know that as long as I am in this body, there will be more of the Lord’s work to do. And it is through your faithful prayers and God’s wonderful Holy Spirit that I will be able to keep running this course of faith God has set before me.
Meanwhile I beg all of you to live a life that models the Good News. Let nothing in your conduct depend on whether I come to you or not. You should be on your best behavior whether I show up to see you for myself or hear about you from a distance. Stand united, be singular in your vision, and do not flinch or dodge at all should you encounter opposition. Your courage and unity will bring defeat to any trouble makers who come your way, with God’s help, you will have the victory. Give all credit to God when this happens and realize that suffering and struggles are a part of the Christian life.
What I am getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you have done from the beginning. While I have lived among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that we are to be separated, stay the course. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, and reverent and humble before God. And when you go out into the world, be a fresh breath of air. Give people a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light giving message about Jesus. You will be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work among you – in vain!
Very soon I will be sending you my good friend and companion in the ministry to you. Make my heart glad by giving him a grand welcome and a joyful embrace.
My dear, dear friends, you can be sure that God will take care of all of your needs, and mine as well. I love you all so much. You have filled me with such joy and pride. Don’t waver; stay on track, steady and steadfast in God.