Philippians 1:21-30 - Living Is Christ

²¹ For to me living means Christ and dying brings gain. ²² But if to keep on living here means fruit from my labor, I cannot tell which to choose. ²³ I am hesitating between two desires, for I long to depart and to be with Christ, for that is far, far better, ²⁴ And yet for your sakes it is very necessary for me to stay on here. ²⁵ Now since I am certain of this, I know that I shall stay on and stay by you all to promote the progress of your faith ²⁶ which will result in your joy; so that, through union with Christ Jesus, you may have more than sufficient ground for boasting about me, through my being with you again.

²⁷ Only you must practice living lives that are worthy of the good news, so that whether I come and see you or stay away, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, and that with one purpose you are continuing to cooperate in the fight for faith in the good news. ²⁸ Never in the slightest degree be frightened by your opponents, for such fearlessness will be strong evidence to them of their impending destruction, but to you a sure sign, and that from God, of your salvation. ²⁹ For it has been graciously granted to you for Christ's sake, not only to trust in Him but also to suffer for Him, ³⁰ since you are having the same struggle that you once saw me have and which you hear that I am still having.