Christ Set Us Free

1[†]It was for freedom that Christ set us free. Therefore, stand firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

2Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4You have been [†]severed from Christ, you who are being justified by law; you have fallen from grace! 5For we [†]through the Spirit, [†]by faith, are eagerly waiting for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

7You were running well; who hindered you from [†]obeying the truth? 8This persuasion is not from Him who calls you. 9A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10I have confidence [†]in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view. But the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross would have been abolished. 12I wish that those who are upsetting you would even [†]mutilate themselves.

13For you were called to freedom, brothers; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 15But if you bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.

Walk by the Spirit

16But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh [†]sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you do not do the things that you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, [†]factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Now those who [†]belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25If we live by the Spirit, let us also [†]walk in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become those with vain glory, challenging one another, envying one another.