Let the Spirit Lead You
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Romans 8:14 NKJV
The eighth chapter of Romans begins without judgment and ends in glory. In this precious passage, we are slowly brought into a greater knowledge of the marvelous ministry of the Holy Spirit that occurs in the life of a believer.
First and foremost, we rejoice that He has delivered us from the Old Testament Law and the inner flesh. Next, we discover that the work of the Spirit in our lives is at odds with our old, carnal, fleshly nature, forcing the believer to choose between walking after the Spirit or the flesh—a choice that we all must make in our Christian lives.
All believers are God’s children (teknon), having been born from above into God’s family, and will one day be molded to the likeness and image of the Lord Jesus Christ. We develop in grace and understanding of the Lord Jesus as we mature in the Spirit. As we grow in grace and learn the teachings the Spirit wishes to teach us, we grow into adulthood and develop into sons (huis) of God: “For as many as are guided by the Spirit of God, they are the sons (huis) of God.”
However, as a child of God, you need to know your place and learn to walk in it, which is behind the Holy Spirit. For the extraordinary outcomes God intends for you, you will have to overcome every obstacle your flesh throws in your way.
There is no way to avoid it if you are serious about living a supernatural, Spiritled life. Your flesh is something you must conquer! Mortifying, or otherwise subduing, the flesh is making space for the Holy Spirit to rule in one’s life. Being a Christian is not easy, but it is the only way to truly bear fruit.
In Christianity, immature believers and those new to the faith are still considered children. They can choose to be led by the Holy Spirit or not. Some may choose to be led by their fleshly nature and walk through much of their Christian life in the flesh, but all children of God who have developed in the faith will have chosen to be led by the Spirit of God at some point: “And those who are led by the Spirit of God are called SONS of God.”
Unbelievers choose to believe in Christ, and by God’s mercy, those who believe in Him become children of God. Then they must mature in their faith. All believers are God’s offspring and those who the Spirit of God leads grow in their faith and become God’s sons.
As we pursue God’s plan, we must heed natural counsel. Still, we must never forget that the guiding of the Holy Spirit is essential in producing supernatural fruit and achieving a heavenly conclusion.
Reflect
Have you ever been led by the Holy Spirit to perform something that seemed contradictory to your rational mind? If so, when was it? Which path did your reaction take? After doing as He commanded, what did you find to be the outcome?
Prayer
Dear Father, Your salvation plan, by grace through faith, is fantastic. Your ongoing sanctification plan, by grace through faith, as we submit to the Holy Spirit, is amazing. Help me to constantly be willing to submit to Your Holy Spirit and be led by You, maturing in faith to Your praise and glory. I pray in Jesus’ name.
Upcoming Connect 21 Events
- Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 21st @ Latimer Hall – The Way United Methodist Church)
- Sunday Morning Service (Jan 22nd @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)