Galatians 5:1-26, NLT
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
2Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you.
5But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us.
7You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?
11Dear brothers and sisters,*5:11 Greek Brothers; similarly in 5:13. if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised—as some say I do—why am I still being persecuted? If I were no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended.
13For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Living by the Spirit’s Power
16So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
19When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
22But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.