Christian Liberty

(A)Stand[a] fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a (B)yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that (C)if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised (D)that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. (E)You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; (F)you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly (G)wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For (H)in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but (I)faith working through love.

Love Fulfills the Law

You (J)ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. (K)A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.

11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, (L)why do I still suffer persecution? Then (M)the offense of the cross has ceased. 12 (N)I could wish that those (O)who trouble you would even [c]cut themselves off!

13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only (P)do not use liberty as an (Q)opportunity for the flesh, but (R)through love serve one another. 14 For (S)all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: (T)“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: (U)Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For (V)the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, (W)so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But (X)if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now (Y)the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that (Z)those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But (AA)the fruit of the Spirit is (AB)love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, (AC)goodness, (AD)faithfulness, 23 [g]gentleness, self-control. (AE)Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s (AF)have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 (AG)If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 (AH)Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Bear and Share Burdens

Brethren, if a man is [h]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of (AI)gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (AJ)Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill (AK)the law of Christ. For (AL)if anyone thinks himself to be something, when (AM)he is nothing, he deceives himself. But (AN)let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and (AO)not in another. For (AP)each one shall bear his own load.

Be Generous and Do Good

(AQ)Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for (AR)whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap (AS)everlasting life. And (AT)let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap (AU)if we do not lose heart. 10 (AV)Therefore, as we have opportunity, (AW)let us do good to all, (AX)especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Glory Only in the Cross

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, (AY)only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the (AZ)cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by [i]whom the world has been crucified to me, and (BA)I to the world. 15 For (BB)in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Blessing and a Plea

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:1 NU For freedom Christ has made us free; stand fast therefore, and
  2. Galatians 5:3 obligated
  3. Galatians 5:12 mutilate themselves
  4. Galatians 5:19 NU omits adultery
  5. Galatians 5:19 sexual immorality
  6. Galatians 5:21 NU omits murders
  7. Galatians 5:23 meekness
  8. Galatians 6:1 caught
  9. Galatians 6:14 Or which, the cross

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