Welcome
back to my blog. Last time we started an exciting two-part series on God's
leading, a topic important to all of us. We covered the fascinating survey Teleios
performed regarding how millennials perceive God directs us and that scripture
is the basis of God’s leading.
Today
we discuss how to implement the scriptural directives of God’s leading practically
into our lives.
God’s
leading in practice?
In
short, the Bible does not indicate that God or the Spirit lead us around, like
a dog on a leash. Importantly, God’s leading is evident not by a moment to moment guiding, but rather it is
observed as a result!
·
Scriptural basis of leading – There are two verses in the New Testament
that mention being led by the Spirit, : (Please see Figure 1 below.
o Romans 8:14 – This verse
indicates that those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God. Being a Son of
God is demonstrated by being pure and blameless while living in a sinful world
(Philippians 2:13-15). In other words, living a Christlike
existence in the world shows you are a son of God and so are led by the Spirit.
o Galatians 5:18 – This verse
notes those Christians who are led by the Spirit, are benefited by not being
under the Old Testament law. Further, not being constrained by the law allows
the Spirit to produce mature fruit (Galatians 5:23). In other words, Christians who demonstrate
the fruit of the Spirit show not only they are not constrained by the law (verse
23) but are led by the Spirit (verse 18) to a mature result (verses 22-23).
Therefore, someone who demonstrates the
fruit of the Spirit indicates they have been led by the Spirit, as per Romans 8:14.
o Foundation (start with the Bible)– Hebrews 1:2 states that in the church age God speaks
through His Son. His words are in the Bible. Specifically, for the church,
God’s guidance for our decision-making is in the epistles. Further, the Spirit
uses God’s expressed word as His sword, both internally (Hebrews 4:12) and externally, to demonstrate His power (Ephesians 6:17).
o Freedom
(we possess a broad choice in our life’s path) – We have
relatively few specific commands in scripture, but the ones that exist protect
us from going ‘out of bounds’ from God’s playing field. Therefore, when we act
in life within His gracious boundaries we possess wide freedom to serve Him in
faith. We can choose to use in this world what we wish through prayer and the
Bible (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
Ø Further, our wonderful freedom in Christ is greater
than the world’s because we know that we are liberated from sin, have a
heavenly home and we have truth, as revealed in the Bible, to live wise and
useful lives (Colossians 2:3).
Ø In contrast, the world is bound by cultural
norms, fads, jealousies and a quest for truth. All these efforts are ultimately
fruitless in the spiritual sphere as well as costly in time and money.
o
Faith (our action) – We are commanded to do everything by faith (Romans 14:23). Knowing
scripture leads us to make choices in faith that will please and glorify God (Colossians 3:16-17). Importantly, we should not condemn
ourselves when stepping out in faith in accordance to scripture. In other
words, do not feel guilty (Romans 4:22)!
o
Filling (maturing) – The relevant vital verse, Ephesians 5:18, uses
alcohol as a negative example of mental control. The alcohol contrasts to a
mature Christian who is controlled by the Spirit. The verse indicates that
being controlled by the Spirit is through being ‘filled’ The word ‘fill’ in
Greek (Gr: pluroo, πληρόω) has a secondary meaning of ‘complete’ or ‘mature’.
Maturing (filling) occurs by the Spirit as we live by faith and seek God
through the Bible (Galatians 3:3-5, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Importantly, the Spirit uses the Bible to
mature us (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). As we mature by the Spirit we are able to
make better life choices as we live by faith (Hebrews 5:13-14).
o
Fruit (the results) – This is the outcome of God maturing us, the
fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9). There are other signs of maturity
(undoubtedly caused by the Spirit) in Scripture but these are the ones directly
related to the Spirit by the Bible.
To summarize,
God’s leading in scripture is by His word, applied in faith and freedom
(individual choice). By this method of knowing the Bible, applied in faith and
freedom, we learn to make better choices in life. Over time we then develop a
pure and fruitful individual character (this is His leading). His leading is
only observed by the results of the Spirit maturing us.
Thank you for
joining me today and please return next time as we continue our lively
discussions of the Bible and important topics in the Christian life. Praise God
that He has given us truth in scripture to live a wise life.
For questions or to view
more of our research…
Disclaimer
- This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as
available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any
time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the
content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent
that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate
for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person
for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such
information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained
myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any
specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your
own research into the scriptures.
