² because through Christ Jesus^(A) the law of the Spirit who gives life^(B) has set you^[a] free^(C) from the law of sin^(D) and death. ³ For what the law was powerless^(E) to do because it was weakened by the flesh,^[b](F) God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh^(G) to be a sin offering.^[c](H) And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement^(I) of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.^(J)

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit,^(A) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.^{(B) 17} For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.^(C) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[a] you want.^(D)

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[a](B) to be saved^(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(D) and through belief in the truth.