Galatians 5:26 - Homiletics

No departure allowed from the spiritual standard.

If the Spirit is our Guide and Upholder, there ought to be no room for the indulgence of a proud or contentious or envious disposition.

I. VAIN - GLORY . "Let us not become vain-glorious." A mild and suggestive warning against an evil only in its incipiency. It is vain because it rests on no basis of reality; because, like a bubble, it bursts in a moment and is seen no more; because it leads to strife and envy.

II. " PROVOKING ONE ANOTHER ." This applies to the habit of challenging others to combat, as if Galatian Christianity had not been already sufficiently spoiled by controversies.

III. " ENVYING ONE ANOTHER ." The challenges of the strong might excite the envy of the weak. How beautifully the gospel calls the saints to peace, not to doubtful disputations!