What Does It Mean To Be Led By the Holy Spirit?

May 26, 2022

What does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit?

What Does It Mean To Be Led By the Holy Spirit?

By Brooke Holt

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:9-10 ESV).

After the apostle Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was a transformed man. Paul surrendered his life to the Lord, was baptized, received the Holy Spirit, and then was called to be an apostle for Jesus Christ. The man driven by zeal, anger, and hatred of the rising Christian movement became a man filled and driven by the Holy Spirit.

If you want to know what a Spirit-filled life looks like, I encourage you to study the apostle Paul’s life. In Acts chapter 16, we read about the church growing and flourishing under the teaching of Paul while we also read about how the Spirit led him. Every city Paul entered was under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. If he sought to head in the wrong direction, the Lord would literally not allow him to pass that way (see Acts 16:7). After not being able to come into Mysia, Paul saw this vision of the man in Macedonia urging him to come and share the gospel message with them. Without hesitation, Paul and Timothy headed that way.

Paul modeled faithfulness because of his obedience to the Spirit’s guidance in his life. And his life produced great fruit because of that faithful obedience. Just look through the New Testament, and you will see that fruit. Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, Paul authored thirteen books of the Bible.

Just as in the apostle Paul’s days, the Lord is looking for those who will follow him in building the kingdom of God. He is looking for men and women who will be filled and led by his Holy Spirit. What does that look like for you? It begins with surrender: Lord, open my heart and mind to you, fill me anew with your Holy Spirit. Teach me to love you, your will, and your people. It is then one choice after another for obedience.

Reflection:

How would you describe your life today? Is it also one of faithful obedience, one surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit? A Spirit-filled life is one of adventure, fruit, and fullness. Are you ready to begin that adventure today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "gift" who will guide us, lead us, and empower us. Yet many believers don't experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This unique Christian small group Bible study provides a space in which we can explore what it truly means to "walk in the Spirit" on a daily basis. The Spirit-Filled Life small group curriculum centers on a 6-part video teaching series examining the life-giving and creative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Begin to experience the gift today!