Are We Walking by the Spirit? Tested by Three Matters

 

Are We Walking by the Spirit? Tested by Three Matters

Gal. 5:25–26: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Rom. 8:14: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” 

Aspect	Are We Walking by the Spirit? Tested by Three Matters
Meaning	Paul indicates that “walking by the Spirit” is not abstract or theoretical but can be verified through three things: whether we are vainglorious, provoking one another, or envying one another. To overcome these shows we are truly walking by the Spirit.
Reason	Vainglory belongs to the flesh and is the root of provoking and envy (Gal. 5:26). From Paul’s practical experience in church and family life, he saw that these issues destroy fellowship, relationships, and peace. Thus, they are reliable tests of our walk by the Spirit.
Examples	1. In brothers’ or sisters’ houses: someone desires to lead, causing strife. 2. In meetings: after one sister gives a rich testimony, another envies and determines to give a “better” one next time. 3. In marriage: a brother becomes jealous when his wife receives praise and he does not. 4. In service: a brother is jealous when a younger one is appointed as an elder.
Application	1. In church life: deal with vainglory to avoid rivalry and maintain peace. 2. In family life: put aside vainglory for genuine mutual submission and respect. 3. In daily life: examine ourselves whether vainglory, provoking, or envy are present. 4. In spiritual pursuit: focus on terminating vainglory rather than superficially addressing envy or provoking.
Related Scriptures	- Gal. 3:26: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” - Phil. 2:3: “Do nothing by rivalry nor by vainglory, but in humility of mind considering one another more excellent than yourselves.” - James 3:16: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil practice.”

 

Key Points:

• Walking by the Spirit is practical, not abstract.
• Vainglory is the root problem; provoking and envy are its outgrowth.
• Genuine spiritual life is tested in the church, family, and daily relationships.
• Terminate vainglory → provoking and envy disappear → true walking by the Spirit → reality of being sons of God.

Conclusion:

Without Galatians 5:26, walking by the Spirit would remain theoretical. By adding this verse, Paul makes it very practical. The real test is whether vainglory, provoking, and envy are present. To walk by the Spirit is to deal with vainglory, thereby living as genuine sons of God in daily life, church life, and family life.

 

*Please refer to Life-study of Galatians, Chapter 28, Crucifying the Flesh That We May Walk by the Spirit