7. Instead, he made himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form.
8. He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level. He obeyed God completely, even though it led to his death. In fact, he died on a cross.
9. So God lifted him up to the highest place. He gave him the name that is above every name.
10. When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship him. Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship him.
11. Everyone's mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory.
12. My dear friends, you have always obeyed God. You obeyed while I was with you. And you have obeyed even more while I am not with you. So continue to work out your own salvation. Do it with fear and trembling.
13. God is working in you. He wants your plans and your acts to be in keeping with his good purpose.
14. Do everything without finding fault or arguing.
15. Then you will be pure and without blame. You will be children of God without fault in a sinful and evil world. Among the people of the world you shine like stars in the heavens.
16. You shine as you hold out to them the word of life. So I can brag about you on the day Christ returns. I can be happy that I didn't run or work for nothing.
17. But my life might even be poured out like a drink offering on your sacrifices. I'm talking about the way you serve because you believe. Even so, I am glad. I am joyful with all of you.
18. So you too should be glad and joyful with me.
19. I hope to send Timothy to you soon if the Lord Jesus allows it. Then I will be cheered up when I receive news about you.
20. I have no one else like Timothy. He truly cares about how you are doing.