How To Be Led By The Holy Spirit (sermon)

Being Led by the Holy Spirit People are made up of body, mind, and spirit. When we become Christian, our spirits are made new in God. John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” We receive the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of God that lives inside us. The Holy Spirit is a person, the Spirit of God. He is not an impersonal influence or a cosmic power. He is not the Force in Star Wars. He is a person, not like you and me, but with an intellect, will, and sensitivity. The Holy Spirit fills our life to the degree that we allow Him to. He is a gentleman and will only fill us to the amount we allow Him. When we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, we are consciously yielding ourselves to God and we receive a greater amount of the Spirit’s empowering. God gives the Holy Spirit to whoever asks the Father. Luke 11:13 “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and helps them live their Christian lives. The Holy Spirit also controls the church. The church did not start until the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. We are still in the time of Pentecost. (Joel 2:28-29) The church is God’s family and the Body of Christ on earth. When we submit to the Holy Spirit, God moves His body. Today, the Holy Spirit continues to cleanse, guide, and teach His church. God is faithful. He’s committed to using us. He wants to use us. But sometimes we are so stubborn, so careless, and He has to wait. But I have confidence that God will continue to perfect you and me, and His church body. The Bible says the Holy Spirit is perfecting the church as though preparing a bride for her wedding. When we are ready, Jesus will return. Therefore, we understand it how important it is to be led by the Holy Spirit. As we learn how to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us more and more, the church will see the power of God manifest accordingly.

What Does It Mean to Be Spirit-Led? We need to understand the activity of the Holy Spirit in believers. 1. The Holy Spirit cannot be accepted by the world John 14:16-17 1 Corinthians 2:12

2. The Holy Spirit teaches us spiritual things John 14:26 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 3. The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus John 15:26 4. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin John 16:5-8 5. The Holy Spirit gives us authority John 20:21-23, as representatives of Jesus Isaiah 61:1, to preach good news and set captives free 6. The Holy Spirit gives us power Acts 1:8 Acts 4:31 2 Timothy 1:7 7. The Holy Spirit gives us direction Luke 4:1-2, 12:12 – Direction does not mean understanding everything. We may not understand why and how, but we have direction of our next step. We obey in faith. Don’t become easily discouraged, but continue to rely on His direction in your life.

How Can We Be Led by the Holy Spirit? 1. Set your mind on what the Spirit desires Romans 8:5-9 2. Die to your sinful nature Galatians 5:24-26 Philippians 3:18-19 James 4:1-5 – We must become dead to the world. The Holy Spirit in us envies intensely. 3. Pray in the Spirit 1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-15 – The Bible says that our spirit prays to God. This is a spiritual prayer that can also be accompanied by mental prayer. 4. Live a holy life Ephesians 4:30 – Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by sinful attitudes or actions. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 51:11 5. Do not quench the Spirit’s fire 1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Remember, the Holy Spirit is a gentleman.

The Holy Spirit is available to all who ask of God and obey Him. Acts 5:29-32 “Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Luke 11:13 “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” He is given us so that we can do God’s work. Only work that is from the Spirit and through the Spirit will stand the test of God’s judgment, according to 1 Corinthians 3. Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Let’s ask God for His Holy Spirit. Let’s take time to repent and seek God. Revival cannot be bought cheaply. He will fill us to the extent that we allow Him to. He cannot inhabit unclean vessels, or work through those whose lives are divided between the world and God’s kingdom.