Led By The Spirit
Rom. 8:14
By David J. Riggs
Many people often conclude that because the fact is stated (the Spirit leads, Rom. 8:14), it means
a direct leading, that the Spirit is affecting or nudging their minds in some way. However, the
method, whether direct or indirect, must be learned from other passages. Everything that is
attributed to the Spirit leading is also attributed to the Word. We conclude, therefore, that the
Word is the agent through which the Spirit leads.
Chart #1 - How does the Spirit Lead in Conversion?
The Spirit Begets By The Word
John 6:63; 1 Pet. 1:23; 1 Cor. 4:15
Born of Water And the Spirit
John 3:5
ENTER INTO THE BODY, THE CHURCH
ENTER INTO CHRIST
ENTER THE KINGDOM
1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:47
Gal. 3:26-27; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom 6:3-4
Col. 1:13-14; 2:12-13
Chart #2 How Does the Spirit Lead the Christian?
How The Holy Spirit Works
|
THE SPIRIT
|
ACTION
|
THE WORD
|
| John 3:5,8 |
Begets |
1 Pet. 1:23-25 |
| John 6:63 |
Gives Life |
Psalm 119:93 |
| Titus 3:5 |
Saves |
James 1:21 |
| John 16:8 |
Convicts |
Titus 1:9 |
| Rom. 8:16 |
Testifies |
John 5:39 |
| Rom. 15:13 |
Gives Power |
Heb. 4:12 |
| 2 Thess. 2:13 |
Sanctifies |
John 17:17 |
| 1 Cor. 6:11 |
Washes |
Eph. 5:26 |
| Acts 9:31 |
Comforts |
Rom. 15:4 |
We conclude from the foregoing that the Holy Spirit leads through the Word. There are no
passages which teach that the Holy Spirit affects or nudges the mind of the Christian in some way.
The Holy Spirit does indeed lead, but He does it through or by means of the Word, both in
conversion and instruction in our every day living. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are sons of God." (Rom. 8:14)