This is the second in the series of three about “Living in and to the Holy Spirit”.
Today’s title is “Those who are led by the Holy Spirit”. What does that bring to your mind? Does it mean a special sort of Christian? Maybe one whose life is full of amazing miracles? An especially holy, spiritual person?
NO! This is what the apostle Paul writes “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:14). So God’s purpose is that all his children are led by his Spirit.
But what does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit? Today’s Bible passage (a literal version of Galatians 5:16-18) shows us:
16) Walk by the Spirit, and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. 17) For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these oppose each other, so that you may not do the things that you want.
18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
We see here three aspects of being led by the Holy Spirit:
a) It means to walk by the Spirit (v16)
“Walk” means everyday life, 7 days a week, in our homes, at work, in leisure time, wherever we are. It means every part of our life is to be under the loving authority and guidance of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
b) It means conflict (vv16,17)
Paul writes here of the constant struggle between the Spirit and the flesh. In this context, “flesh” does not mean our physical body, skin and bones etc. It means our selfish, sinful nature. (Take the word FLESH, cross off the H and spell it backwards.)
I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for many years. But my sinful nature still exists, and raises its ugly head from time to time. It shows itself when I give priority to myself, my needs, my desires, my likes/dislikes, my aches & pains.
Paul was very aware of this conflict, in himself and in all who are led by the Spirit. So was the apostle Peter, who wrote of “sinful desires which war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
This conflict between the Spirit and our sinful nature will not cease as long as we live on earth in mortal bodies. So, even though we “have the firstfruits of the Spirit…. we groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for….the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23).
But don’t lose heart! Because to be led by the Spirit also means something else.
c) It means we are set free! (v18)
“Not under the Law” means we are set free from trying to be “good enough”, trying to earn our way to heaven by our own achievements or merit. We are “not under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). We were called to freedom, freedom to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
To be led by the Spirit is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ on the way of the cross (Mark 8:34). It is not always congenial or pleasant or comfortable. But it is the way of life and peace.