1For freedom did Christ set us free : stand fast therefore , and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage . 2Behold , I Paul say unto you , that , if ye receive circumcision , Christ will profit you nothing . 3Yea , I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision , that he is a debtor to do the whole law . 4Ye are severed from Christ , ye who would be justified by the law ; ye are fallen away from grace . 5For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness . 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything , nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
The Danger of Legalism
7Ye were running well ; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? 8This persuasion came not of him that calleth you . 9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump . 10I have confidence to you-ward in the Lord , that ye will be none otherwise minded : but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment , whosoever he be . 11But I , brethren , if I still preach circumcision , why am I still persecuted ? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away . 12I would that they that unsettle you would even go beyond circumcision.
Walking in the Spirit
13For ye , brethren , were called for freedom ; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh , but through love be servants one to another . 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word , even in this : Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself . 15But if ye bite and devour one another , take heed that ye be not consumed one of another . 16But I say , Walk by the Spirit , and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh . 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit , and the Spirit against the flesh ; for these are contrary the one to the other ; that ye may not do the things that ye would . 18But if ye are led by the Spirit , ye are not under the law . 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest , which are these : fornication , uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20idolatry , sorcery , enmities , strife , jealousies, wraths , factions, divisions , parties, 21envyings , drunkenness , revellings , and such like ; of which I forewarn you , even as I did forewarn you , that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God . 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy , peace , longsuffering , kindness , goodness , faithfulness , 23meekness , self-control ; against such there is no law . 24And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. 25If we live by the Spirit , by the Spirit let us also walk . 26Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.