Galatians 5

Christ Has Set Us Free

1 For s freedom Christ has t set us free; u stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to v a yoke of w slavery.

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that x if you accept circumcision, y Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that z he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are a severed from Christ, b you who would be justified 1 by the law; c you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly d wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus e neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but f only faith working through love.

7 g You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying h the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from i him who calls you. 9 j A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 k I have confidence in the Lord that you will l take no other view than mine, and m the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, 2 still preach 3 circumcision, n why am I still being persecuted? In that case o the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish p those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. q Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love r serve one another. 14 For s the whole law is fulfilled in one word: t "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you u bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Walk by the Spirit

16 But I say, v walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify w the desires of the flesh. 17 For x 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, y to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are z led by the Spirit, a you are not under the law. 19 Now b the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, c divisions, 21 envy, 4 drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that d those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But e the fruit of the Spirit is f love, joy, peace, patience, g kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 h gentleness, i self-control; j against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus k have crucified the flesh with its l passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, m let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 n Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

  1. Cross References
    Galatians 5:13
    For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
    Galatians 2:4
    Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in - who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery -
    James 1:25
    But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
  2. Cross References
    John 8:32
    And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 16:13
    Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 15:10
    Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
  5. Cross References
    Galatians 2:4
    Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in - who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery -
  6. Cross References
    Galatians 5:3
    I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.
    Galatians 5:11
    But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.
    Acts 15:1
    But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.
    1 Corinthians 7:18
    Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision.
  7. Cross References
    Galatians 4:11
    I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
  8. Cross References
    Romans 2:25
    For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.
  9. Cross References
    Romans 7:6
    But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
  10. Cross References
    Galatians 2:21
    I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
    Galatians 3:10
    For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.
    Romans 9:31 - 32
    But that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law.
  11. Cross References
    Hebrews 12:15
    See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
    2 Peter 3:17
    You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
  12. Cross References
    Romans 8:23
    And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
    Romans 8:25
    But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
  13. Cross References
    Galatians 6:15
    For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
    1 Corinthians 7:19
    For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.
    Colossians 3:11
    Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
    Galatians 3:28
    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
  14. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:23
    Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    1 Thessalonians 1:3
    Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
    James 2:18
    But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
    James 2:20
    Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
    James 2:22
    You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.
  15. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:24
    Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
  16. Cross References
    Galatians 2:5
    To them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
  17. Cross References
    Galatians 1:6
    I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel -
  18. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 5:6
    Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
    1 Corinthians 15:33
    Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals.
    Hebrews 12:15
    See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
  19. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:3
    And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.
  20. Cross References
    Philippians 3:15
    Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
  21. Cross References
    Galatians 1:7
    Not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
    Galatians 5:12
    I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
  22. Cross References
    Galatians 4:29
    But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
    Galatians 6:12
    It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
  23. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:23
    But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.
    1 Peter 2:8
    And "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
  24. Cross References
    Galatians 5:10
    I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.
    Galatians 2:4
    Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in - who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery -
  25. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:16
    Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
    Jude 1:4
    For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
    1 Corinthians 8:9
    But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
    2 Peter 2:19
    They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
  26. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:19
    For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
  27. Cross References
    Matthew 7:12
    So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
    Matthew 22:40
    On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
  28. Cross References
    Leviticus 19:18
    You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
    Galatians 5:22
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
    Galatians 6:2
    Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
    Matthew 19:19
    Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
    John 13:34
    A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
  29. Cross References
    Leviticus 19:18
    You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
  30. Cross References
    Philippians 3:2
    Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
  31. Cross References
    Galatians 5:24 - 25
    And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
    Romans 8:4
    In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
    Romans 13:14
    But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
  32. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:3
    Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
  33. Cross References
    Romans 7:23
    But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
    Romans 8:5 - 7
    For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
  34. Cross References
    Romans 7:15
    For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
    Romans 7:18 - 19
    For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
  35. Cross References
    Romans 8:14
    For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
  36. Cross References
    Romans 7:4
    Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
  37. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 3:3
    For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
    Ephesians 5:3
    But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
    Colossians 3:5
    Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
    James 3:14 - 15
    But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
    Matthew 15:18 - 20
    But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.
  38. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 11:19
    For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
  39. Cross References
    Colossians 3:6
    On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
    1 Corinthians 6:9
    Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality.
  40. Cross References
    Romans 7:4
    Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
    Romans 8:5
    For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
    Ephesians 5:9
    (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).
  41. Cross References
    Romans 5:1 - 5
    Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
    Colossians 3:12 - 17
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
  42. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:6
    By purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love.
  43. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:2
    With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
  44. Cross References
    Acts 24:25
    And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.
  45. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:9
    Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers.
  46. Cross References
    Galatians 5:16
    But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
    Romans 6:6
    We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
  47. Cross References
    Romans 7:5
    For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.
  48. Cross References
    Galatians 5:16
    But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
  49. Cross References
    Philippians 2:3
    Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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