LED BY THE SPIRIT

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17)

Devotion 20 of 20

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Those emphasizing the leading of the Spirit often major on "practical" matters. We have seen this is not the emphasis of Scripture. For that reason, it cannot be ours. This does not mean the Spirit never leads in intensely personal ways. It does mean such occasions are personal, and not to be exalted above crucifying the flesh, being free from the law, and having our sonship confirmed.

When the Gospel began to spread, the Holy Spirit played a vital role in the direction of the effort. He worked with sensitive souls that were dominated by faith. He also worked within the boundaries of God's Word. One account of His direction is found in the thirteenth chapter of Acts. The church at Antioch was a remarkable one. Devout men from sundry backgrounds and geographical locations assembled together in the name of the Lord. Scripture apprises us "certain prophets and teachers" were there. One "Lucius of Cyrene" was there, as well as "Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch." While I am not in the habit of quoting other men in these lessons, I feel constrained to share the observation of Matthew Henry on this passage. "What an assemblage was here! In these names we see that the Lord raises up instruments for his work from various places and stations in life; and zeal for His glory induces men to give up flattering connections and prospects to promote His cause. It is by the Spirit of Christ that His ministers are made both able and willing for His service, and taken from other cares that would hinder in it. "

On one occasion, as these saints were "ministering to the Lord and fasting," the Holy Spirit directed them. The precise manner of His direction is not given, and thus is not important for us to know. The point is WHAT the Holy Spirit did, not HOW He did it. Here is the account. "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus" (Acts 13:2-4).

There are several things to notice here. First, the Spirit directed them while they were engaged in Divine service. Second, they were buffeting their bodies through fasting. Third, they were sensitive to Divine direction. Fourth, the direction had to do with God's agenda, not that of man. Fifth, the work was the Spirit's work, not the work of the church at Antioch.

Observe the godly did not depend upon their own assessment of the call. They first fasted and prayed, getting their hearts in tune with the Lord, so to speak. Then they separated Barnabas and Saul to the special work to be directed by the Holy Spirit, heaven's Administrator. These men were led by the Spirit into involvement with God's "eternal purpose."

Do such things still happen? The answer to that question will NOT be found in the philosophies of men. Neither, indeed, will it be discovered by pondering possibilities, as noble as that may appear. If men can ever become involved enough with the Lord to "minister" to Him, and subordinate their flesh, they will find out whether or not the Spirit still directs the affairs of men. To speculate on the possibilities of such guidance apart from these activities is an exercise in futility! Some of us know from experience the answer to the question. We also know that such knowledge is available to all who are serious enough with the Lord to cut the cords to earth and strengthen the ones to heaven!

Conclusion

The leading of the Spirit is not a subject separate from salvation. To contemplate Divine direction apart from the Divine agenda is foolish. However, to consider the possibilities of walking "in the Spirit" Gal 5:16,25) is refreshing to the soul. Too much of the theology of our day is restricting, setting boundaries around our thinking rather than liberating it to occupy high places. View the leading of the Spirit as a plush garden, from which many precious clusters may be gathered. Consider it a realm of fathomless possibilities. Do not be afraid to depend upon the Lord, for you will not be shamed in such dependency.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, deliver me from influences and concepts that place unwarranted limitations on You Holy Spirit.

-- TOMORROW: A BOTTLE FOR OUR TEARS --