does it matter?

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What does it matter, what folk think of me?

(and whether they think I'm valid or not)..

The most important thing is that there be

some indication that there is no rot

within the life of Christ, he's conquered death,

decay, corruption, all uncleanliness,

& that the news gets out, with any breath

that's breathed by humans being more or less

in tune themselves with that news. Heralds all,

who are concerned with truth, so I've rejoiced.

Yes, and I will continue, that's this Paul,

provided for by Spirit of God's Boy

such that along with your own prayers, I know 

that what has happened here to me will turn 

out for my own deliverance. I hope 

& eagerly expect that I won't burn

with shame, but will have courage with each breath

so that as always Christ will be in me

exalted in my body's life or death. 

To me, to live is Christ himself my Liege;

to die is gaining (more, not life that's lost). 

If I'm to go on living bodily, 

this will mean fruitful labour - with a cost

If it was mine to choose, I could not see..

I'm torn between the two: depart and be 

with Christ, which is far better; but it is 

more helpful for you that I bodily

stay here; convinced of this, I know that this..

this option is for me, just now, I'll stay, 

then will continue with all of you for 

your progress and your joy within your faith-

ful friendship (a response to his, what's more)

so through my being with you here again

your boasting in the Christ - Jesus will sound

out more & more till it abounds & then

whatever happens, your conduct around

God's world would help to sound the gospel hear

it will proclaim the Christ, so here or there

I'll know that you stand firm in the one Spir-

-it, striving as one for the faith we share

in gospelling, without in any way 

allowing fear of those who would oppose.

This is a sign to them that you'll be saved

& they will be destroyed – by God's impose.

For you have been here granted on behalf 

of Christ, not only to believe in him, 

but also here to suffer, not just laugh

for him, since we'll all struggle, then we'll win.

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But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved – and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:18‭-‬30 NIVUK

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