So, what [should I think about the situation]? Just this: I am happy and will continue to be happy that, in every way, Christ is being preached, [regardless of] whether it is in pretense or with sincerity.

Each of you should not look out for your own interests [only], but also for those of other people.

You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did.

[This was] so that, in [honor of] the name of Jesus, everyone's knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth [i.e., all rational creatures] should bow [i.e., before God],

and that everyone's mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

And you should be glad and share your joy with me also.

So, you should welcome him in [the fellowship of] the Lord with great joy, and regard such people with honor,

So, all of us who are mature [Christians] should think this way. And if you people think differently about anything, God will reveal that to you also.

So, we should continue living by the same [standard] that we have [already] attained.

Brothers, you people should join together in imitating me, and take note of those who are following my example.

You should let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. [Note: This "nearness" could refer to Christ's second coming or to His nearness to His people in a spiritual sense].

Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and [special] petition, along with thanksgivings, you should make your requests known to God.

You people should do those things which you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and [then] the God [who gives] peace will be with you.