8. The arguments of the person who is influencing you do not come from the one who is calling you.
9. A little yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough.
10. The Lord gives me confidence that you will not disagree with this. However, the one who is confusing you will suffer God’s judgment regardless of who he is.
11. Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching that circumcision is necessary, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the cross wouldn’t be offensive anymore.
12. I wish those troublemakers would castrate themselves.
13. You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don’t turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love.
14. All of Moses’ Teachings are summarized in a single statement, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
15. But if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don’t destroy each other.
16. Let me explain further. Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants.
17. What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don’t always do what you intend to do.
18. If your spiritual nature is your guide, you are not subject to Moses’ laws.
19. Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity,
20. idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions,
21. envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I’ve told you in the past and I’m telling you again that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22. But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23. gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that.