25If we are living with what is spirit, let us keep in line (stoikew) by what is spirit. 26Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another, brothers. 6:1 Even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, looking to yourself, lest you also be tempted. (Greek translation by R.C.H. Lenski)
One of the first principals of Bible interpretation is to consider the context of the verse or passage you are studying. Concerning the above verses, it is important to see that when the translators of the Bible divided verse 26 from the next verse, chapter 6, verse 1, they implied that a new thought was beginning in chapter 6, however, this is not true.
Paul's thought is as follows: Since our general walk is by our spirit, then it follows that the specific going along, following along just like an army marching along rank on rank should also be by our spirit. No one should think himself or herself higher or better so as to become vainglorious. We are all brothers of one another, nothing more. When pride created vainglory in a brother, it causes others who are not in spirit to be envious or to be provoked. This situation should never be allowed. So the ones who actually do live in spirit should go to the one who has stepped aside out of the line (the Greek word for trespass means to step aside) and with a spirit of meekness, which is in contrast to the pride and envy and wrath exhibited in 5:26, and help that vainglorious one. But in helping you have to beware that you too won't fall into vainglory for we are all subject to being tempted with pride.
Paul concludes the last chapter with the words, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is with the spirit of you all, brothers. (Greek word order) Paul looks at us all as having one spirit and that we are all simply brothers. We must have revelation to see that the other brother's spirit is my spirit and my spirit is his spirit. The reality is that we are in such an organic oneness.
None is higher or better. It is true that the functions of all differ, but there is no rank among us. Pride always wants to assume a higher, better, or more knowledgeable position. Since humanity is so fallen we all should look to ourselves lest we be so tempted.
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