Because God has granted you [the privilege], on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in [your relationship to] the Lord. It does not trouble me to write the same things to you again, because you will be safer if I do. [Note: These "same things" may refer to warnings against false teachers which Paul had either spoken to them or written about previously].

I want to know Christ [as Savior] and to experience the power [produced] by His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings and become like Him in His death,

But we are [really] citizens of heaven and we are waiting for a Savior [to return] from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,