Led by the Spirit | Romans 8:14


Not every spiritual teaching originates from the Holy Spirit. In fact, a great deal of the “spiritual teaching” you’ll find in popular culture does not come from the Holy Spirit and does not originate from God’s Word.  Right now, there are other “spirits” at work in this Valley, trying to lead us in an entirely different direction than the Holy Spirit would seek to lead us.  That’s why the New Testament exhorts us to ‘test the spirits.’ 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

In other words, we must realize that there are other spiritual forces besides the Holy Spirit trying to lead us. How can we differentiate between the Holy Spirit and a false spirit? The Holy Spirit will lead us into Biblically-founded truth and a deeper relationship with the God of the Bible.

The Holy Spirit Leads us in Biblically Founded Truth

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

If you can’t support a spiritual belief with scripture, it’s not from the Holy Spirit. In the next section of our scripture text, Paul is referring to those who are led spiritually.  He is referring to the Holy Spirit’s leading and not the leading of just any spirit, force, feeling, dream, angel, or energy.  There is some confusion these days about the role of mysticism within the church.

There is a new religious movement that claims to be part of the Christian church. It uses spirit guides, trances, Eastern meditation, auras, power objects, clairvoyance, clairaudience, and other mystical experiences as part of their worship services. This group has infiltrated Christian churches here in Cottonwood, trying to get a foothold here. Remember that not every spiritual teaching originates from the Holy Spirit. Each of the elements I mentioned has been stolen from the occult and cleverly repackaged as Christian spirituality.

Despite this, one leader in this wildly popular movement said, “Many prominent pastors and conference speakers add fuel to the fire of fear by assuming that because the New Age promotes it, its origins must be from the devil. I find that form of reasoning weak at best. If we follow that line of thought we will continue to give the devil the tools that God has given us for success in life and ministry.”

The Bible defines what it means to be led by the Spirit and it has nothing to do with New Age practices.  There is a real danger that someone could read the words in verse 14 that refer to being, “led by the Spirit of God,” and confuse non-Christian mystical experiences with the Holy Spirit’s leading.  This confusion is really dangerous for those of us who live in close proximity to New Age and occult elements that influence the culture and thinking here in the Verde Valley.

When the Scripture talks about the leading of the Holy Spirit, it is important that we are absolutely clear about what it is referring to. Whenever we are studying a verse in the Bible, it is essential that we bear in mind the context of that passage and the meaning the writer of the passage was trying to communicate to his readers. (This is a discipline called hermeneutics.)

There is a very deceptive technique where a spiritual guru will extract a scripture from its original context and use that verse to support a non-related, spiritual-sounding idea. (This is a technique called proof texting.) It is always important to consider the context of a passage, but in the case of Romans 8:14, it is unusually important. So let’s take a few minutes to analyze the context of verse 14.

The first word of Verse 14 is the word “For.” The “For” means this passage is connected to a larger dialogue.  Over the course of Chapter 8, Paul has been developing a carefully worded, systematic argument about the assurance of salvation.

The Overarching Discussion in Chapter 8 Centers Around the Assurance of Salvation

Our first challenge in understanding this passage is to understand what it adds to the flow of thought that Paul has been carefully developing up to this point. The great underlying theme of Chapter 8 is the assurance of salvation to every true believer.

  • This chapter describes the characteristics of saints who persevere in their faith to the end from many different angles.
  • It describes the type of person who can expect to receive final, complete and total salvation when he, or she, stands before God.

In the sixth and seventh chapters of Romans, Paul highlights and deals with many of the struggles believers face in this fallen world. He begins chapter 8 with these words of assurance and encouragement, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Those who are “in Christ” are under grace, not under law -Romans 8:1-3

The man or woman who is “in Christ” is finished with condemnation.  Verse 2 says, “2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Once a person has received the free gift of grace that Jesus offers and turns to Jesus as Lord and Master, a new season of spiritual life begins for that person. They have been set free from the condemnation of the Law.  They begin a new spiritual life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This new power is given to the believer for the purpose of growing in holiness.

Then in verses 5-11, Paul moves on from explaining what is means to be positionally “in Christ” and he describes a whole new dimension of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Assurance of Salvation is Evident in the Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:5-11

The work of the Holy Spirit is to continually seek out the areas of darkness and sin that remain in our lives. Little-by-little, He is cutting those areas out. The Holy Spirit kills sin and draws us into holiness.

The Holy Spirit is a “Holy” Spirit because His primary work in our lives it to produce more holiness. Ultimately a believer becomes more and more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit because Jesus was the holiest man who ever lived.  The Holy Spirit produces holiness, therefore the Holy Spirit produces people who look a lot like Jesus.

Verse 5b says, “those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”  This verse implies that a person who is actively being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit is developing a new desire for righteousness.

  • A genuine desire for godliness is evidence of salvation.
  • Those who do not desire holiness should question their salvation. Romans 8:7 says, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

In fact, it is completely against the character of Holy Spirit to allow us to continue living in the flesh without bringing about conviction.

In light of our deliverance from condemnation, the new position we have “in Christ,” the tremendous power we have within us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the promise we have of everlasting bodies and eternal rewards, it would absurd to live in the same way that used to kill us spiritually.

We have a new spiritual life in Christ! That’s why in Romans 8:12 Paul wrote, “12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.”

Living in the Flesh is Totally Inconsistent With our New Life in Christ – Romans 8:13, Matt 7:22-23

It is inconsistent because the primary activity of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is killing off sin. The last three weeks we unpacked this one verse.  Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

In other words, if you and I are actively putting to death the works of the flesh in our lives, it is obvious that we are being led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Therefore, if we are continually driving out sin’s influence in our lives, it is ongoing proof that we are sons and daughters of God.

There are some modern mystical elements that are clearly missing here: The passage does not say that the children of God are authenticated by experiencing visions or angelic visitations, speaking in tongues, having powerful feelings, or channeling energy from the earth. It completely omits gold dust, angel feathers, mysteriously appearing coins, special clouds, sparkling lights, or other so-called spiritual signs. Here’s why:

  • Somebody could be a child of God and never see a miraculous sign.
  • Somebody could see a miraculous sign and not be a child of God.

Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23. Jesus said, “ 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Jesus is saying that people could prophesy, cast out demons, and perform mighty works in His name and not be a Son or Daughter of God! There is a clear danger in the pursuit of miraculous signs over the purposeful and passionate pursuit of Christ Himself.

Miracles and sign gifts are not an indication of someone’s salvation, but increasing holiness and Christlikeness brought about through the power of the Holy Spirit is proof of salvation.

  • If someone is continuously living in the flesh, it is doubtful that they know God, even if they have experienced a miraculous sign.
  • On the other hand, it is impossible for someone to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit as a son or daughter of God without growing in holiness.

In the context of this passage it very clearly says that being “led by the spirit of God” is directly connected to the Holy Spirit’s primary task of killing sin and producing holiness & Christlikeness.

  • It means that I am led by the Spirit of God if I kill sin by His power.
  • It means that the evidence of being a son (or daughter) of God is the death of sin in our lives.

No one except a Christian kills off sin in their lives. The Bible clearly states that only believers have the Holy Spirit’s power to kill sin.  Romans 8:8 says, “8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” In other words, only Christians submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Paul is arguing that a life characterized by an increase in holiness and a decrease in sin, shows convincing evidence of salvation.

One of the greatest themes of the scriptures is the spiritual transformation of sinners who were hostile toward God and enemies of God, to becoming Sons (and daughters) of God. Nothing is a bigger deal! Right away we must realize that this incredible status is not reserved for everyone.

Not Everyone is a Child of God

Let’s look at todays’ text again. Romans 8:14 says emphatically, “14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” It does not say “all men are sons of God.” It says is that those who are “led by the Spirit of God,” are the “Sons of God.” The Spirit leads according to the scriptures.

There is a popular false teaching called universalism, which has been for about fifty years in the theological community. Universalism asserts that there is a universal brotherhood of mankind and there is a universal Fatherhood of God.  This doctrine teaches that God will eventually extend salvation to everyone:

  • He will save Christians.
  • He will save all other people in every other religious system.
  • He even will save those who totally ignored Him.

They believe that, ultimately, the whole of mankind will be saved. Some believe that the fallen angels and perhaps even Satan himself will be saved (if they admit that he exists).

This belief system has a profound effect on the view of both this passage that the doctrine of salvation itself. In fact, it brings into question the underlying authority of the scriptures.  This belief stems from a philosophical position rather than a Biblical one.  Here is what I mean:

  • Universalists reason that God is a God of love and therefore He would never leave anyone out of heaven.
  • They reason that is God is holy and perfect and that He could not possibly let even one of his creatures suffer in an eternity of everlasting punishment and condemnation.
  • They don’t understand this passage, so they reject it on philosophical terms. (and usually do so while quoting a few scriptures out of context.)

Remember that not every spiritual teaching originates from the Holy Spirit.  The Bible is very clear, both in Romans 8 and throughout the New Testament, that salvation is not universal, but reserved only for those who are “in Christ.” Consider these scriptures:

  • Speaking to unbelieving Jews, Jesus makes this accusation in John 8:44a, “44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.” Jesus made a clear distinction between those who are sons of God and those who are sons of Satan.  A saved group and an unsaved group are clearly defined by Him.
  • The Apostle John wrote in John 1:12, “12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” John makes it clear that those who are “sons” are those “who believed in his name.” The offer is not extended to everyone else.
  • Jesus is praying in John 17:9 and He makes a clear distinction between His followers and the rest of the world. He says, “9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.” There is a clear distinction between those who are His and those who are not. Either we are saved or lost.
  • The most famous verse in the Bible makes it clear that either we are alive or perishing. John 3:16 says, “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

The scriptures repeatedly echo this theme. They often talk about who we were before as children of wrath and who we are now as children of God.  We are constantly confronted with these two positions in the Bible.  There is no middle ground listed, nor is there a contingency plan in place. Either we separate ourselves from sin by the power of the Holy Spirit or we continue in condemnation.

Paul is clearly calling us to consider if we are among those who are set aside as the Spirit-led, Sons of God or if we are still a part of those who are condemned. It is clear from these scriptures that only Christians are the “sons of God.”

God’s Children are Those who are Led by the Spirit

Romans 8:13-14 together say, “13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ” Or, in other words, those who put to death the deeds of the body are the Sons of God.  The leading of the Spirit is described in the Bible in practical terms.

We are living in an age where people in the church are in search of mystical signs from the Lord. I believe the Lord heals and I think that people might sometimes see angels. There is Biblical evidence for both things. I’m not opposed to a supernatural God doing supernatural things.

But, there is a preoccupation in some Christian circles with visions, angelic appearances, and new extra-biblical prophesy that largely disregards the Biblically prescribed work of the Holy Spirit. Not every spiritual teaching originates from the Holy Spirit. Not every teaching about angels and prophesy can be backed up with scripture. The Bible never says, “where feathers appear, angels are near.” My concern is that people here in the Verde Valley are so obsessed with mystical experiences that they miss the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible describes the Christian life as an ongoing journey. It is not a static state.  The Spirit’s work is not marked by emotional highs or euphoric experiences, but by real-life changes. The Holy Spirit might be at work when:

  • Rough edges in our personalities are smoothed out and brought into submission to the Spirit’s leading.
  • Financial goals are redirected to reflect an ever growing dependence on the Lord and a wise stewardship of His resources.
  • Schedules are rearranged to allow for time investments in people and the regular exercises of prayer and Bible study.
  • Relationships are intentionally restored and forgiveness is extended to those who don’t deserve it.
  • Life Goals are reassessed with kingdom objectives in mind.

God knows us well and He knows what areas of our lives need to killed off so that we can move into an even more rewarding and fulfilling life “in Christ.” It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the courage to make real-life choices that reflect a new attitude toward righteousness and holiness. As a result, those who are truly “sons of God” are living more and more like a “son of God” everyday.

Application

Have you gotten bogged down? As I have been describing the life of a Spirit-led, Son of God, is there an area in your life that the Spirit is clearly wanting to overhaul?

You and I don’t have the power in ourselves to affect real-lasting change, but the Spirit that dwells in us does. Ask Him to do that. Have the courage to ask the Holy Spirit to root out the sin that is still hanging on and then ask Him to give you an increased satisfaction in righteousness. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Trust His remedy for sin and seek the greater and deeper things of God that lead us into holiness.