7. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human,
8. he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9. Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names,
10. so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow
11. and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12. Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13. God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.
14. Do everything without grumbling and arguing
15. so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world
16. because you hold on to the word of life. This will allow me to say on the day of Christ that I haven’t run for nothing or worked for nothing.
17. But even if I am poured out like a drink offering upon the altar of service for your faith, I am glad. I’m glad with all of you.
18. You should be glad about this in the same way. Be glad with me!
19. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to see you soon so that I may be encouraged by hearing about you.
20. I have no one like him. He is a person who genuinely cares about your well-being.