Philippians Chapter 1

1Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers{The word translated "overseers" (episkopos) can also be translated superintendents, guardians, curators, or bishops.} and deacons{Or, servants}:
#leadership#identity
2Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
#greetings
3I thank my God whenever I remember you,
#thankful#prayer#joy
4always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
5for your partnership{The word translated "partnership" (koinonia) also means "fellowship" and "sharing."} in furtherance of the Gospel from the first day until now;
#gospel
6being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
#faithful#certain#hope#second-comming
7It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
#gospel#imprisonment#bestlifenow
8For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
#love#knowledge#widsom
10so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;
#holy
11being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
#giftsofthespirit#powerup#righteousness#gloryofgod
12Now I desire to have you know, brothers,{The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."} that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Gospel;
#providence#history#gospel
13so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
#evangelism#bestlifenow
14and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
15Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
16The former insincerly preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
#gospel#bestlifenow
17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel.
#preaching#evangelism
18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
#nomatterwhat
19For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
#certain#confidence#inthelord
20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
#death#life#jesus#headsup#listenup#youwhat
22But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose.
#youwhat#death
23But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
#suicide#death#wisdom#discipleship
24Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
#purpose
25Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
#fellowship#christianhedonism
26that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
#purpose
27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Gospel;
#holiness#killingsin#listenup
28and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
29Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
#bestlifenow#suffering#prosperitygospel
30having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.