Philippians 1:21-30

21For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

22Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer:

23I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,

24but it is more vital for your sake that I remain in the body.

25And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith,

26so that what you can be proud of may increase because of me in Christ Jesus, when I come back to you.

27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that – whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent – I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,

28and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation – a sign which is from God.

29For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him,

30since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.