Galatians 5:26
Verse
Context
Sermons
John Piper
Alan Martin
Thomas Brooks
John Henry JowettSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us not be desirous of vain glory - Κενοδοξοι· Let us not be vain glorious - boasting of our attainments; vaunting ourselves to be superior to others; or seeking honor from those things which do not possess moral good; in birth, riches, eloquence, etc., etc. Provoking one another - What this may refer to we cannot tell; whether to the Judaizing teachers, endeavoring to set themselves up beyond the apostle, and their attempts to lessen him in the people's eyes, that they might secure to themselves the public confidence, and thus destroy St. Paul's influence in the Galatian Churches; or whether to some other matter in the internal economy of the Church, we know not. But the exhortation is necessary for every Christian, and for every Christian Church. He who professes to seek the honor that comes from God, should not be desirous of vain glory. He who desires to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, should not provoke another. He who knows that he never deserved any gift or blessing from God should not envy another those blessings which the Divine goodness may have thought proper to bestow upon him. May not God do what he will with his own? If Christians in general would be content with the honor that comes from God, if they would take heed to give no provocations to their fellow Christians, if they would cease from envying those on whom either God or man bestows honors or advantages, we should soon have a happier and more perfect state of the Christian Church than we now see. Christianity requires us to esteem each other better than ourselves, or in honor to prefer one another. Had not such a disposition been necessary to the Christian character, and to the peace and perfection of the Church of Christ, it would not have been so strongly recommended. But who lays this to heart, or even thinks that this is indispensably necessary to his salvation? Where this disposition lives not, there are both the seed and fruit of the flesh. Evil tempers are the bane of religion and totally contrary to Christianity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "Let us not BECOME." While not asserting that the Galatians are "vainglorious" now, he says they are liable to become so. provoking one another--an effect of "vaingloriousness" on the stronger: as "envying" is its effect on the weaker. A danger common both to the orthodox and Judaizing Galatians. Next: Galatians Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:26 The Galatian church was apparently having trouble with factions (see also study note on 5:20; cp. 1 Cor 3) instead of following the Spirit’s leading.
Galatians 5:26
Walking by the Spirit
25Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Battling the Unbelief of Envy
By John Piper1.6K32:46PSA 37:1PRO 23:17ROM 8:321CO 3:20GAL 5:261PE 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of envy and how it can hinder our joy and concern for others. He shares a story from the Bible about the lad with the five loaves and two fish to illustrate how delighting in the Lord can help overcome envy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and finding contentment in Him, as He promises to satisfy all our desires. He also highlights several Bible verses that prohibit envy and provide reassurance of God's provision and blessings for those who delight in Him.
Unity of the Spirit - by the Bond of Peace
By Alan Martin1.2K00:00UnityJHN 16:13ROM 12:31CO 4:7GAL 5:26PHP 3:102TI 2:231JN 2:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians. He warns against engaging in arguments and disputes over words, as it only leads to division and harm to the hearers. The speaker encourages believers to walk worthy of their calling, with humility, patience, and love for one another. He urges them to strive diligently to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to focus on Jesus and His teachings, rather than getting caught up in theological debates or personal opinions.
Envy
By Thomas Brooks0GratitudeEnvyPSA 37:1PRO 14:30PRO 23:17ECC 4:4ROM 12:151CO 13:4GAL 5:26PHP 2:3JAS 3:161PE 2:1Thomas Brooks warns against the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a torment that gnaws at the soul and likening it to poison, a serpent, and a scourge. He emphasizes that envy is not only foolish but also a groundless wickedness that corrupts and destroys one's inner peace. Brooks urges listeners to flee from envy as they would from a deadly adversary, recognizing that being envious of others' blessings only leads to personal torment. He highlights the absurdity of turning the goodness of God towards others into our own suffering, urging a shift in perspective towards gratitude instead.
The Fire of Envy
By John Henry Jowett0PRO 14:301CO 13:4GAL 5:26PHP 2:3JAS 3:16John Henry Jowett delivers a powerful message on the destructive nature of envy, comparing it to a deadly potion that distorts our moral and spiritual senses, leading to confusion and chaos. Envy blinds us to truth, making us see disorder as order and misinterpreting everything around us. Only God has the power to extinguish the destructive fire of envy, transforming it into goodwill and replacing confusion with order and beauty.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us not be desirous of vain glory - Κενοδοξοι· Let us not be vain glorious - boasting of our attainments; vaunting ourselves to be superior to others; or seeking honor from those things which do not possess moral good; in birth, riches, eloquence, etc., etc. Provoking one another - What this may refer to we cannot tell; whether to the Judaizing teachers, endeavoring to set themselves up beyond the apostle, and their attempts to lessen him in the people's eyes, that they might secure to themselves the public confidence, and thus destroy St. Paul's influence in the Galatian Churches; or whether to some other matter in the internal economy of the Church, we know not. But the exhortation is necessary for every Christian, and for every Christian Church. He who professes to seek the honor that comes from God, should not be desirous of vain glory. He who desires to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, should not provoke another. He who knows that he never deserved any gift or blessing from God should not envy another those blessings which the Divine goodness may have thought proper to bestow upon him. May not God do what he will with his own? If Christians in general would be content with the honor that comes from God, if they would take heed to give no provocations to their fellow Christians, if they would cease from envying those on whom either God or man bestows honors or advantages, we should soon have a happier and more perfect state of the Christian Church than we now see. Christianity requires us to esteem each other better than ourselves, or in honor to prefer one another. Had not such a disposition been necessary to the Christian character, and to the peace and perfection of the Church of Christ, it would not have been so strongly recommended. But who lays this to heart, or even thinks that this is indispensably necessary to his salvation? Where this disposition lives not, there are both the seed and fruit of the flesh. Evil tempers are the bane of religion and totally contrary to Christianity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "Let us not BECOME." While not asserting that the Galatians are "vainglorious" now, he says they are liable to become so. provoking one another--an effect of "vaingloriousness" on the stronger: as "envying" is its effect on the weaker. A danger common both to the orthodox and Judaizing Galatians. Next: Galatians Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:26 The Galatian church was apparently having trouble with factions (see also study note on 5:20; cp. 1 Cor 3) instead of following the Spirit’s leading.