“For as many as are being constantly led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
I recently heard of a Christian brother in a local church, who during a discussion on the Holy Spirit, expressed his fear of the Spirit. Due to erroneous teaching he had received over the years and things he had seen, he had become afraid of the One who indwells him as a believer; the very Helper Jesus sent to him when he believed.
The Apostle Paul told us in Romans that we are to be constantly led by the Spirit of God. The word “led” is the Greek word “ago” and according to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words it means “to bear, bring, carry, lead,” and is translated by the verb “to lead”. An example would be the act of leading about an animal at the end of a rope. Rick Renner in his Sparkling Gems From The Greek says this about “ago”:
“An animal’s owner would wrap a rope around its neck and then “tug” or “pull” until the animal started to follow him.
“Pay careful attention to the “tugging” and “pulling” of the Holy Spirit in your heart. He is a Gentleman and does not force you to obey Him. He prompts you, tugs on your heart, and pulls on your spirit to get your attention. Sometimes His “tugs” may be so gentle that you almost miss them. But if you’ll develop your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, He will gently “lead” you exactly where He wants you to go with your life.” (Emphasis mine)
Have you developed this sensitivity to the Helper? If not, we pray that you will.
Our scripture goes on to say that those who are led by the Spirit, these are sons of God. In Galatians Paul says that while Israel was under the law of the Old Testament, they were considered “nepios”, an immature person who needed a guardian to look after them. The guardian was the law of the Old Testament. But in Romans 8:14, Paul uses “huios” which signifies someone of full age; a mature person having outgrown the need for his former guardian.
In conclusion, we are living under God’s wonderful, unbelievable grace as born again children of God. We have no need for the law because we have the Spirit of God living in us, vastly more powerful and effective than the law. If you will, He is our guardian now. He is our source of godly desires and the power to do the will of God. He is grieved by our sins and wanderings. He is faithful to convict us of our sins and bring us to repentance. He will never leave us or forsake us. Let us develop a sensitivity to his “tugs” and “pulling” so he can lead us in the way we should go. What wonderful provision God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ has made for those who trust in Jesus Christ.
Pay Close Attention To Yourself and The Holy Spirit
Carl
Psalm 119: 38 