Led By The Spirit 1

Rom. 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 2

Please note that we have to go to the word of God, which the Spirit revealed, to learn of this leading 3

I. “Led By the Spirit of God” 4

Some popular yet false ideas on how the Spirit leads: A. Direct guidance in our lives – which comes about by following impulses or hunches 5

Denominations who teach that the Spirit works in a direct manner depend upon a message (written or taught) to inform their members that the Holy Spirit acts directly 6

If what they say is true (about the Spirit working directly) – then why does not the Spirit tell them directly that He operates directly? 7

B. By “Illuminating” the written word so we can understand it This is the belief that man cannot understand the scriptures without direct divine guidance 8

Jn. 16:13 – Promise to apostles Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 9

1 Jn. 4:1 – try or test the spirits Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Spirit = every person making a religious claim 10

Eph. 3:4 – read & understand Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ 11

Eph. 5:17 – understand the will of the Lord Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 12

2 Tim. 3:16-17 – thoroughly furnished All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 13

C. Giving us some special blessing of spiritual strength beyond the written word and the working of God’s providence 14

D. Some believe they hear a voice speaking directly to them from the Holy Spirit 15

If the Spirit does work in a direct way upon the heart of the sinner – why are there no Christians where the word has never gone? 16

E. Others believe that the Holy Spirit leads them by showing them special signs – which Indicate specific decisions that need to be made at a given time 17

“Human emotions and experiences are not to be confused with a message from the Spirit” 18

1 Cor. 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 19

Some have wild emotional experiences, but others do not 20

Acts 10:34-35 – God is no respecter of persons Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 21

II. “They are the sons of God” How were sons of God made in Paul’s time? Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles 22

Gal. 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 23

Rom. 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office 24

How did he make men into the sons of God? He went – he preached – those who heard and believed obeyed 25

The Spirit was leading – Paul was preaching – people were obeying – sons of God were being made This is how people were converted to Christ 26

The Spirit led – Paul edified by teaching, preaching – those sons of God, faithful Christians, remained faithful This is how the Spirit sanctifies 27

Jn. 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 28

III. “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” (Gal. 5:18) Some were trying to go back to the Old Law - How did the Holy Spirit show them to be wrong in what they were doing? 29

It was not by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit Peter, Paul, Barnabas and others who were defending the truth depended upon God’s word which they presented in a powerful way! (Acts 15; Gal. 2) 30

Conclusion The Spirit leads us by the word of God He does not lead people to become Jews, Catholics, Protestants, etc. He leads people to become Christians and to remain Christians

Robert R. Taylor, Jr., The Bible Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Quality Publications, 1996 The Holy Spirit “Illumination “ Theory: A Critical Review, by Wayne Jackson. Christiancourier.com