[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.
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Author: George M. Lamsa
Source: studybible.info
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