1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free , and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage . 2Behold , I Paul say unto you , that if ye be circumcised , Christ shall profit you nothing . 3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised , that he is a debtor to do the whole law . 4Christ is become of no effect unto you , whosoever of you are justified by the law ; ye are fallen from grace . 5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith . 6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision ; but faith which worketh by love .
The Danger of Legalism
7Ye did run well ; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth ? 8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you . 9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump . 10I have confidence in you through the Lord , that ye will be none otherwise minded : but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment , whosoever he be . 11And I , brethren , if I yet preach circumcision , why do I yet suffer persecution ? then is the offence of the cross ceased . 12I would they were even cut off which trouble you .
Walking in the Spirit
13For , brethren , ye have been called unto liberty ; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh , but by love serve one another . 14For all the law is fulfilled in one word , even in this ; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself . 15But if ye bite and devour one another , take heed that ye be not consumed one of another . 16This I say then , Walk in 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 : and these are contrary the one to the other : so that ye cannot do the things that ye would . 18But if ye be led of the Spirit , ye are not under the law . 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest , which are these ; Adultery , fornication , uncleanness , lasciviousness , 20Idolatry , witchcraft , hatred , variance , emulations , wrath , strife , seditions , heresies , 21Envyings , murders , drunkenness , revellings , and such like : of the which I tell you before , as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God . 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love , joy , peace , longsuffering , gentleness , goodness , faith , 23Meekness , temperance : against such there is no law . 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts . 25If we live in the Spirit , let us also walk in the Spirit . 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory , provoking one another , envying one another .