BEING LED BEING LED BY THE SPIRITBY THE SPIRIT

How Does the Spirit Lead?The popular beliefs:–Through feelings?–Through an “inner voice” or

“nudging”?

Two Passages Which Mention Being “Led By The Spirit”

• “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

• “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18).

• Does the context of these passages show that the Spirit leads by an inner voice or nudging or by new revelation?

Those Who ARE Led by the Spirit…

• Those who have received the Spirit

• Romans 8:14-15:– For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.“

Those Who ARE Led by the Spirit…• Those who set their minds on the

things of the Spirit"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be" (Romans 8:5-7)

Those Who ARE Led by the Spirit…

Those who set their minds on the things of the Spirit Jeremiah 31:31-34 Ezekiel 36:26-27

God will work in you (through the Spirit) Philippians 2:12-13

Those Who ARE Led by the Spirit…

Does the Spirit lead through other people?

Does the Spirit work through our feelings and emotions in any way? YES! Be careful of “reactionary theology”!

Words of Caution…

• We must use caution in trusting our feelings• The heart can be a deceptive guide:– “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But whoever walks wisely will be delivered" (Prov. 28:26).– "There is a way that seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12).

Words of Caution…

• We must use caution in trusting our feelings– "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many

things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them" (Acts 26:9-10).

Those Who ARE Led by the Spirit…

• Those who live/walk according to the Spirit– "For those who live according to the flesh set

their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:5-6).

– "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control“ (Gal. 5:22-23)

Those who by the Spirit put to death the deeds of the flesh

"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law… And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:17-18; 24)

"we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:12-14).

Importance of Being Led By The Spirit

• Romans 8:13-14 - “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

• Galatians 5:17-18 - “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Is the Spirit or the flesh leading you?• The Spirit? – Do you set your mind on the things of the Spirit?– Do you live/walk according to the Spirit?– Do you by the Spirit crucify/put to death the

flesh?

The Flesh? – Do you set your mind on the things of the flesh?– Do you live/walk according to the flesh?– Do you by the flesh put to death your soul ?