Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
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Finally, my brothers,a1rejoice in the Lord. 2To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
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For 5we are the circumcision, 6who worship 7by the Spirit of Godb and 8glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh--
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9though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
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10circumcised on the eighth day, 11of the people of Israel, 12of the tribe of Benjamin, 13a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, 14a Pharisee;
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Indeed, I count everything as loss because of 20the surpassing worth of 21knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I 22have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
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and be found in him, not having 23a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but 24that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--
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25that I may know him and 26the power of his resurrection, and 27may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Straining Toward the Goal
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Not that I have already 29obtained this or 30am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
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Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: 31forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
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Let those of us who are 34mature think this way, and if in anything 35you think otherwise, 36God will reveal that also to you.
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Brothers, 38join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk 39according to the example you have in us.
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For 40many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you 41even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)