Paul commends the new life

1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. 4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness. 65.6: 1 Cor 7.19; Gal 6.15.For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working5.6 Or made effective through love. 7You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 95.9: 1 Cor 5.6.A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine; and he who is troubling you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11But if I, brethren, still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been removed. 12I wish those who unsettle you would mutilate themselves!

13For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. 145.14: Lev 19.18; Rom 13.8-10.For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 15But if you bite and devour one another take heed that you are not consumed by one another.

16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 175.17: Rom 7.15-23.For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. 18But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law. 195.19: Rom 1.28.Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, 21envy,5.21 Other ancient authorities add a murder drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall 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 there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.