Galatians 5

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (v25). Paul argued that believers in Christ were already holy and being transformed. If the non-Jewish believers accepted circumcision, they were declaring that Jesus was not enough for them, and they were obligated to follow the entire Law. But the Law could not free them from “the works of the flesh:” sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries ...” (v19-20).

The Law can’t make us holy. Only the forgiving, cleansing work of Jesus and the Spirit’s power can change hearts and produce “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (v22-23).