Study Desk

Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is a slave with her children.

For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren woman, who does not give birth to children; burst out and shout, you who do not have birth pains, because many are the children of the desolate woman, even more than those of the one who has a husband."

But what does the scripture say? "Drive out the female slave and her son, for the son of the female slave will never inherit with the son" of the free woman.

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

For through the Spirit by faith we eagerly await the hope of righteousness.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are in opposition to one another, so that whatever you want, you may not do these things.

Brothers, even if a person is caught in some trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of humility, looking out for yourself, lest you also be tempted.

For if anyone thinks he is something although he is nothing, he is deceiving himself.

But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in someone else.

For each one will carry his own burden.

Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked, for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap,

And let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give up.

As many as are wanting to make a good showing in the flesh, these are attempting to compel you to be circumcised, only so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

For not even those who are circumcised observe the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised in order that they may boast in your flesh.

But as for me, may it never be that I boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

For neither is circumcision anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I carry on my body the marks of Jesus.