1 Freedom of the Christian For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.2 Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all.3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law.4 You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace.5 For we eagerly await through the Spirit, by faith, the hope of righteousness.6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love.7 You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth? Or obeying the truth 8 This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.9 A little leaven Or yeast leavens the whole batch of dough.10 I myself am persuaded in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty.11 Now brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.12 I wish those who are disturbing you might also let themselves be mutilated!13 For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity Lit a pretext ; a military term for abuse of position for the flesh, but serve one another through love.14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.16 The Spirit versus the Flesh I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: Other mss add adultery, sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,21 envy, Other mss add murders, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things — as I warned you before — that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Or Against such things there is no law 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.