Freedom in Christ

1It is for freedom (liberty) that Christ (the Anointed One) has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

2Take notice (behold): I, Paul (humble), tell you⁺ that if you⁺ let yourselves be circumcised, Christ (the Anointed One) will be of no value to you⁺ at all. 3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4You⁺ who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ (the Anointed One); you⁺ have fallen away from grace.

5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit {Pneumati} the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love {agapēs}.

7You⁺ were running so well. Who has obstructed you⁺ from obeying the truth? 8Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you⁺. 9A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. 10I am confident in the Lord {Kyriō} that you⁺ will take no other view. The one who is troubling you⁺ will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.

11Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those who are agitating you⁺, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!

13For you⁺, brothers, were called to freedom (liberty); but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love {agapēs}. 14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love {Agapēseis} your neighbor as yourself <Lev 19:18>.”a 15But if you⁺ keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you⁺ will be consumed by one another.

Walking by the Spirit
(Ezekiel 36:16–38; Romans 8:9–11)

16So I say, walk by the Spirit {Pneumati}, and you⁺ will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit {Pneumatos}, and the Spirit {Pneuma} what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you⁺ do not do what you⁺ want. 18But if you⁺ are led by the Spirit {Pneumati}, you⁺ are not under the law.

19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality {porneia}, impurity (uncleanness), and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you⁺, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God {Theou}.

22But the fruit of the Spirit {Pneumatos} is love {agapē}, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

24Those who belong to Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves) have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit {Pneumati}, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.