and always whenever I pray for you all I do it with joy,

Some indeed actually preach Christ out of envy and contentiousness but there are also others who do it from good will.

Those who do it out of love [for me] know that I am prepared to defend the Gospel [i.e., before government authorities].

But if [it is] to live in the flesh, this [is] fruitful work for me, and which I will prefer [I do] not know.

Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with one mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel.

maintaining, as you do, the same kind of conflict that you once saw in me and which you still hear that I am engaged in.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

In all that you do, avoid murmuring and dissension,

that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God, unblemished in the midst of a generation crooked and perverse, among whom ye do appear as luminaries in the world,

And in the same way do you be glad and have a part in my joy.

I do not have anyone else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

but trusting, as I do, in the Lord, I believe that I shall myself also come to you before long.

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].

For it is we who are the circumcised--we whose worship is prompted by the Spirit of God, who exult in Christ Jesus, and who do not rely upon external privileges;

though I too might rely on these. If anyone thinks that he can rely on outward privileges, far more might I do so:

I do not say that I have already won the race or have already reached perfection. But I am pressing on, striving to lay hold of the prize for which also Christ has laid hold of me.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

but one thing I do; forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forward to those which are before, I press toward the goal, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice in the Lord always: again say I, Do ye rejoice.

And [when you do], the peace from God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and thoughts [from anxiety] in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus.

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

And you at Philippi know as well as I do, that in the early days of the good news, after I left Macedonia, no church but yours went into partnership and opened an account with me.

Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you].