\v 2 Watch out for the dogs. Watch out for the evil workers. Watch out for the mutilation.
\v 3 For we are the circumcision. It is we who worship by the Spirit of God. It is we who take pride in Christ Jesus, and who have no confidence in the flesh.
\v 5 I was circumcised on the eighth day. I was born of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin. I was born a Hebrew of Hebrews. In respect to the law, I was born a Pharisee.
\v 8 In fact, now I count all things to be loss because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have discarded all things. I consider them rubbish so that I may gain Christ
\v 9 and be found in him. I do not have a righteousness of my own from the law. Instead, I have the righteousness that is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that is from God based on faith.
\v 10 So now I want to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. I want to be transformed into the likeness of his death,
\v 12 It is not true that I have already received these things, or that I have become complete. But I press on in order that I may grasp that for which I was grasped by Christ Jesus.
\v 17 Be imitators of me, brothers. Closely watch those who are walking by the example that you have in us.
\v 18 Many are walking, those about whom I have often told you, and now I am telling you with tears—many are walking as enemies of the cross of Christ.
\v 19 Their destiny is destruction. For their god is their belly, and their pride is in their shame. They think about earthly things.