| [1]STAND firm therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not harnessed again under the yoke of servitude.
          [2]Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you be circumcised, then Christ is of no benefit to you.
          [3]For I testify again to every man who is circumcised, that he is under obligation to fulfill the whole law.
          [4]You have ceased to adhere to Christ, who seek justification by the law; you are fallen from grace.
          [5]For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
          [6]For in Christ Jesus, neither is circumcision anything nor uncircumcision; but faith which is accomplished by love.
          [7]You were progressing well; who confused you that you should not obey the truth?
          [8]Your persuasion comes from him who called you.
          [9]A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
          [10]I have confidence in you through our LORD, that you will consider no other beliefs: that he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he is.
          [11]And I, my brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why should I be persecuted? Why? Has the cross ceased to be a stumblingblock?
          [12]I wish those who are troubling you would be expelled.
          [13]For, my brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only do not use your liberty for an occasion to the things of the flesh, but by love serve one another.
          [14]For the whole law is fulfilled in one saying, that is; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.
          [15]But if you harm and plunder one another, take heed lest you be consumed one by another.
          [16]This I say then: Lead a spiritual life, and you shall never commit the lust of the flesh.
          [17]For the flesh craves that which is harmful to the Spirit, and the Spirit opposes the things of the flesh: and the two are contrary to one another, so that you are unable to do whatever you please.
          [18]But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
          [19]For the works of the flesh are well-known, which are these: adultery, impurity, and lasciviousness,
          [20]Idolatry, witchcraft, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, stubbornness, seditions, heresies,
          [21]Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and all like things: those who practice these things, as I have told you before and I say to you now, they shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
          [22]But the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,
          [23]Meekness, self-control: there is no law against these.
          [24]And those who belong to Christ have controlled their weaknesses and passions.
          [25]Let us therefore live in the Spirit, and surrender to the Spirit.
          [26]Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. |