Scripture readings:

Galatians 5:1–12

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 

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

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! 

Psalm 44:1–8

O God, we have heard with our ears, 
our fathers have told us, 
what deeds you performed in their days, 
in the days of old: 
you with your own hand drove out the nations, 
but them you planted; 
you afflicted the peoples, 
but them you set free; 
for not by their own sword did they win the land, 
nor did their own arm save them, 
but your right hand and your arm, 
and the light of your face, 
for you delighted in them. 

You are my King, O God; 
ordain salvation for Jacob! 
Through you we push down our foes; 
through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. 
For not in my bow do I trust, 
nor can my sword save me. 
But you have saved us from our foes 
and have put to shame those who hate us. 
In God we have boasted continually, 
and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016).