Weekly Devotional 10-27-14 If Led By The Holy Spirit
In last week’s devotional, “10-20-14 Led By the Holy Spirit,” we considered that while God is continually involved in the life of the believer (His child), He does not necessarily always lead the believer. We considered that when a believer is not walking in the power (under the authority) of the Holy Spirit, he or she is walking in the flesh – which is sin, and God does not lead in that. (See Galatians 5:16-25).
The Holy Spirit has been given by God to dwell in and lead those who He has regenerated to spiritual life. His leading will be manifested in Godly love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These things however, are only manifested to the extent intended when a Christian is surrendered to the authority, the leading of the Holy Spirit. Also, if one is under the authority of the Holy Spirit, he or she will recognize sin in their lives and will confess and repent of it. They will want to obey The Lord’s commandments. They will love one another with Godly love, and they will not love things of the world that are ungodly and that blemish His name.
Also, like Paul, who wished himself accursed rather than his kinsmen remain unsaved (Romans 9:1-3), the Christian who is led by the Holy Spirit will have a burning desire that his unsaved family members, friends and acquaintances would also come to know Christ as their Savior. It cannot be otherwise. The same Holy Spirit that lived in Paul dwells in every believer. It is His passion that God the Son (Jesus) be glorified in the salvation of the lost.
It is possible however for a person to be saved, but not be led by the Holy Spirit and, we must ask why. Is it not because he, or she (you or I) have lost their (our) love for Christ? Jesus said that this was true of some of the church during its first century. We read from Revelation 2:1-5; “1To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent”.
Many in this church, even though their intent was to serve the Lord, had begun to focus more on programs and activities than the Lord. This has been true of much of the universal church through the centuries, and it is true of much of the church today. This does not have to be. If we allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit, we will have right priorities. We will hold Christ above all else.
Lord, help us (help me) to esteem You above all else, and help us to be surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man
www.gbchurch.us