Dual Panel1IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered {and} held ensnared {and} submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].
2Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit (advantage, avail) to you [for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him].
3I once more protest {and} testify to every man who receives circumcision that he is under obligation {and} bound to practice the whole of the Law {and} its ordinances.
4If you seek to be justified {and} declared righteous {and} to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing {and} so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace (from God's gracious favor and unmerited blessing).
5For we, [not relying on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit's [help], by faith anticipate {and} wait for the blessing {and} good for which our righteousness {and} right standing with God [our conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope.
6For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated {and} energized {and} expressed {and} working through love.
7You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding {and} following the Truth?
8This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ].
9A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church].
10[For my part] I have confidence [toward you] in the Lord that you will take no contrary view of the matter {but} will come to think with me. But he who is unsettling you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty.
11But, brethren, if I still preach circumcision [as some accuse me of doing, as necessary to salvation], why am I still suffering persecution? In that case the cross has ceased to be a stumbling block {and} is made meaningless (done away).
12I wish those who unsettle {and} confuse you would [go all the way and] cut themselves off!
13For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh {and} an opportunity {or} excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.
14For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.
15But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another.
16But I say, walk {and} live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to {and} controlled {and} guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings {and} desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
17For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free {but} are prevented from doing what you desire to do.
18But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.
19Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,
20Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),
21Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
23Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
24And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites {and} desires.
25If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
26Let us not become vainglorious {and} self-conceited, competitive {and} challenging {and} provoking {and} irritating to one another, envying {and} being jealous of one another.