Keep in Step with the Spirit

16 But I say, (A)walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify (B)the desires of the flesh. 17 For (C)the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, (D)to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are (E)led by the Spirit, (F)you are not under the law. 19 Now (G)the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, (H)divisions, 21 envy,[a] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that (I)those who do[b] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But (J)the fruit of the Spirit is (K)love, joy, peace, patience, (L)kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 (M)gentleness, (N)self-control; (O)against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (P)have crucified the flesh with its (Q)passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, (R)let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 (S)Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:21 Some manuscripts add murder
  2. Galatians 5:21 Or make a practice of doing

Two different ways of living

16 I say be guided by the Spirit and you won’t carry out your selfish desires. 17 A person’s selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one’s selfish desires. They are opposed to each other, so you shouldn’t do whatever you want to do. 18 But if you are being led by the Spirit, you aren’t under the Law. 19 The actions that are produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, 20 idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry, 21 jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. I warn you as I have already warned you, that those who do these kinds of things won’t inherit God’s kingdom.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the self with its passions and its desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit. 26 Let’s not become arrogant, make each other angry, or be jealous of each other.

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