2.15 The leading of the Holy Spirit

As a young Christian, I used to ask, “How does God speak to us and how do we receive His guidance?” My friends told me that God speaks through the Bible but the Bible contains so many verses. How would I know which verse is He speaking from? Have you ever asked this question before?

Two-way communication with God is essential for a healthy and growing relationship. All Christians talk to God but not all are hearing from Him. Being led by the Spirit is one of the most important principles of New Covenant living. This single factor will determine if Christianity is a living relationship or merely a religion with obligations to fulfill. It would be impossible to grow in relationship with someone on the basis of one-way communication.

In the Old Testament, God led His people EXTERNALLY because the Holy Spirit had not indwelled the believer. Israel was led to the promised land by the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. When the priesthood was instituted, God led them through two precious stones - the Urim and Thummim. God led Gideon through putting of fleeces (Judg 6:37-40). The people also received guidance from prophets.

Today, the Holy Spirit indwells the New Covenant believer and He leads us from WITHIN in our Christian walk. The Bible says that as sons of God, we will be led by the Spirit of God (Rom 8:14).

(Rom 8:14-16)
For as many as are LED by the SPIRIT OF GOD, these are SONS OF GOD. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself BEARS WITNESS with our spirit that we are children of God…

After the Holy Spirit was poured down on Pentecost, the disciples were no longer led by putting fleeces before the Lord or casting of lots (Acts 1:26). The disciples were all led by the Holy Spirit throughout the book of Acts. We will be covering this topic in greater detail in the days ahead.