4 My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than those who are enslaved, though they are the owners of all the property, ² but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. ³ So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental principles^[a] of the world.^{(A) 4} But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,^{(B) 5} in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.^{(C) 6} And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our^[b] hearts, crying, “Abba!^[c] Father!”^{(D) 7} So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God.^[d]

The Works of the Flesh

¹⁶ Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.^{(A) 17} For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want.^{(B) 18} But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law.^{(C) 19} Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery,^{(D) 20} idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envy,^[a] drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.^(E)

The Fruit of the Spirit

²² By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,^{(F) 23} gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ^[b] have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.^{(G) 25} If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.