Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.^(A) Stand firm,^(B) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.^(C)

⁴ You who are trying to be justified by the law^(A) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.^{(B) 5} For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.^{(C) 6} For in Christ Jesus^(D) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.^(E) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.^(F)

⁷ You were running a good race.^(G) Who cut in on you^(H) to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸ That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.^{(I) 9} “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”^{(J) 10} I am confident^(K) in the Lord that you will take no other view.^(L) The one who is throwing you into confusion,^(M) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. ¹¹ Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?^(N) In that case the offense^(O) of the cross has been abolished. ¹² As for those agitators,^(P) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(Q) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a];^(R) rather, serve one another^(S) humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[b](T)