3For we, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, are the ones who are truly circumcised; and we put no confidence in the flesh - 4Though I, myself, might have more reasons for such confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he has of reason to trust in the flesh, I have more: 5Circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; 6As for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based upon the law, without fault. 7But whatever that might have gained me, I now cheerfully count as loss for Christ. 8And what is more, I regard all those things as worthless because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord; for Whom I have suffered the loss of all those things, and regard them as refuse, that I may gain Christ, 9And be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own doing, which comes from the law, but what comes through faith in Christ - the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith; 10That I may know Christ - the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, 11So that, by any means, I might attain to (or experience) the resurrection of the dead.

12Not as though I have already attained all this, or the goals I seek; but I press on that I may achieve the perfection that Christ Jesus desires in us. 13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have achieved it; but this one thing I do: forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what lies ahead, 14I press toward the goal to win the heavenly prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us all, therefore, as many as are spiritually mature, be agreed upon this; and if in anything you disagree, God shall clarify it for you. 16But let us live up to what we have already attained, and strive for the same worthy goal.

17Dear brothers and sisters, join in following my example; and learn from those who already follow my example. 18For, as I have often told you, and now tell you again, even weeping: there are many that are the enemies of the cross of Christ, and walk in disobedience of God, 19They are headed for destruction; their God is their appetite, and their glory is in their shame; their mind is set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven; from which we eagerly await the return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21Who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, shall transform our lowly bodies so that they will be fashioned like His glorious body.