“ 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.” Romans 8:13
It is no doubt that living with the Holy Spirit is far better than living without it. The Holy Spirit freed people from the law of sin and death. And what’s most important is a life led by the Holy Spirit is the will of the Lord Jesus.
Paul explained that the work of salvation from Jesus needs to be responded with a life led by the Holy Spirit. If not, the fleshly desires will be fulfilled and it will end with death. The flesh does not lead us to life. This verse is in accordance to Paul’s letter to the Galatians. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:17.
It is important to know that the guidance of the Holy Spirit does not happen automatically. The Holy Spirit who is gentle is not an authoritative spirit, who is willing to dictate a person’s life. Therefore, Christians who claim they are filled with the Spirit must still give themselves to be led by the Spirit. Giving ourselves to the Spirit means giving the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work within us, asking for His guidance and obeying what the Holy Spirit reveals to us. We would need to give ourselves to the Holy Spirit from time to time so that it becomes our character as God’s children. If this has become a character, then we will be ready to receive God’s promises.
Why do we need to be led by the Holy Spirit? First, it is so that we can be fruitful. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” Galatians 5:22. Second, so that we can grow in the knowledge of the Word of God and His Kingdom. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” John 16:13. Third, so that we may be strong enough to face the problems in our lives. Just like how the Holy Spirit led Jesus when he was tempted by the devil, the Holy Spirit will also guide us in every test and trial of our lives. Fourth, a life led by the Holy Spirit is the will of the Lord Jesus. It is so that we can be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, Acts 1:8.
Just like how the Israelites were led by the pillars of cloud and pillars of fire in their journey to the Promised Land, the Holy Spirit also leads our lives – through every trial and victory, day by day. The Holy Spirit’s guidance will bring Christians to God’s promises, which we will receive together with Christ. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” Romans 8:14. A life led by the Holy Spirit will bring Christians to perfection, glory and fulfillment of the Father’s will. God bless.
Source: Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta