The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 I say, then, walk by the Spirit(A) and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires(B) what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.(C) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious:[a] sexual immorality,(D) moral impurity,(E) promiscuity,(F) 20 idolatry,(G) sorcery,(H) hatreds,(I) strife,(J) jealousy,(K) outbursts of anger,(L) selfish ambitions,(M) dissensions,(N) factions,(O) 21 envy,[b](P) drunkenness, carousing,(Q) and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.(R)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit(S) is love,(T) joy,(U) peace, patience,(V) kindness,(W) goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,(X) and self-control.(Y) The law is not against such things.[c] 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus(Z) have crucified the flesh(AA) with its passions and desires.(AB) 25 If we live(AC) by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.(AD)

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Footnotes

  1. 5:19 Other mss add adultery,
  2. 5:21 Other mss add murders,
  3. 5:23 Or Against such things there is no law

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will never fulfill the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh wants is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, and so you do not do what you want to do. 18 But if you are being led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

19 Now the actions of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, witchcraft,[a] hatred, rivalry, jealously, outbursts of anger, quarrels, conflicts, factions, 21 envy, murder,[b] drunkenness, wild partying, and things like that. I am telling you now, as I have told you in the past, that people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,[c] 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 Now those who belong to the Messiah[d] Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also be guided. 26 Let’s stop being arrogant, provoking one another and envying one another.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:20 Or sorcery
  2. Galatians 5:21 Other mss. lack murder
  3. Galatians 5:22 Or faith
  4. Galatians 5:24 Or Christ