"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."–Romans 8:14

The apostle’s words ought to be taken with utmost and grave seriousness by every professing Christian. Here the passage tells us without a doubt what is the infallible evidence of sonship. How do I know that I am a son of GOD by adoption? If I am led by God the Holy Spirit. But what does that mean?

Without a doubt all things are governed and controlled by the Sovereign GOD of the universe Jesus Christ. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are upon earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Colossians 1:16

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." Acts 17:28

And if GOD removes his Spirit from his sustaining providence we all perish. "Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth." Psalms 104:29-30

Yet to be Led by the Spirit of GOD in matters of redemption is altogether a distinct subject. Today everybody and their dog is filled and led by the Spirit. I have my doubts!

Presupposing that we are a son of GOD by adoption and regeneration, having been born again of incorruptible seed, even the word of GOD, the gospel of your salvation, this is how the Spirit works in leading the children of GOD about in this world.

(1) They are led of the Spirit theologically into the truth concerning Jesus Christ their LORD. "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify concerning me:" John 15:26, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but whatever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." John 16:13. The essential and primary work of the Spirit in leading his sons is to instruct their souls in the knowledge of the Savior. The primary work of the Spirit then is that of teaching. The third person of the blessed trinity has come to teach us of Christ.

Those hidden mysteries of grace not made known to the sons of men in prior ages, which also were enigmas to the angels, are the privileged trues taught us in the word of GOD by his gracious Spirit to enable us to know the accomplishments of our almighty Savior in his work of complete redemption. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1Corinthians 2:13-14.

How do I know then in the first instance that I am led of the Spirit in theological matters? If I am growing in a knowledge of the gospel of the blessed LORD and coming to a comprehensive understanding of Christ crucified. If I understand the sin of unbelief, "Of sin, because they believe not on me;" John 16:9, the deep truth of my original sin, and the profound truth of my enmity against the Son of GOD by nature, my hostility towards that one amongst ten thousand, because his light excels my darkness, and leaves me without any hope of personal righteousness. I am convinced that I need Him!

(2) That his finished work of atonement at Calvary satisfied the justice of GOD against my sin. That not only did his death atone for my sin but so satisfied the GOD of glory that by his cross I am lavished with a grace perfect for a poor sinner such as myself and destined to an indescribable glory that not only includes the swallowing up of this wretched tabernacle of a body with His eternal life, but the possession of a paradise the size of the universe, to be with Him who loved my soul, forever! "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;" Romans 8:17

(3) The Spirit led life is one of constantly growing in accordance with this glorious truth. According to it, that is in its effect upon my heart and mind and therefore life. "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:23-24. The child of God therefore lives, grows, matures, and walks by that same message that came to him in its life giving efficacy. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:" Col 2vs2. To be led of the Spirit in ones life is to be brought to gospel truth, taught in gospel, and led by gospel truth. That truth will always have as its object, Jesus Christ. We are brought to Christ by GOD in providence to hear the doctrine of Christ. Which are the doctrines of grace in him.

We are regenerated by that gospel, and we are led into a life conforming relationship through its power in our lives. The Well of Grace from which we drink is the blood of our Savior , and the meat that we eat is the flesh of the Savior. "Then Jesus said to them, Verily, verily, I say to you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53

Now! How do I know that I am not being led by the Spirit of GOD? If the ministry that you are under does not uphold the head from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered. If that pastor is not a true Christ preacher, and does not diligently labor to set before you Jesus Christ in the volume of the book. Not just quip sayings!

Not just “in the name of Jesus” or “Sovereign grace” or using terms like “the elect” or any of that superficial rhetoric that is like the sweeping rain that leaves no meat. But truly like the scribes, taking things old and new and showing the treasure of God in such a way that the people of God are not only ministered to, but increase with the increase of GOD by the same.

You should experience the increasing grace of truth in the mind and in the will and in the affection. Like the river in Ezekiel 47 vs. 3-6. This constantly increasing growth of the waters of life depict the experience of grace in the soul when truth is ones highest form of religion. And Christ is that truth.

How do I know that I am not led by the Spirit? When your are led into doctrines and teachings that are peripheral and sensational. When the teaching is spectacular and unique to your corner of the world. When it is esoteric and only a few can grasp it. When it produces pride and self confidence. Self righteousness and arrogance. When it is a doctrine that goes beyond Christ, you are not being led by the Spirit. "Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not GOD." 2John 1:9.

You are not being led by the Spirit, though you may be under the truth , and yet do not yield to its teaching. Living a double standard, a hearer only, and not a doer of the word. Generally a person not led by the Spirit will gravitate in the direction of those things that do not promote godliness in the life. POWERLESS Christianity. "For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and [in] the spirit of meekness?" 1Corinthians 4:20

When one is not led by the Spirit, his priority will be that of the flesh, he will savor the things of men and not the things of GOD. I have seen men and women who KNOW the truth and because the fallen nature RULES, it leads them into more and more sin. Such a person cannot dwell where the truth is enforced. It is perfectly fine to talk about truth, but to walk in it, to defend it and support it, takes the power of GOD’S Spirit. "For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." 1Thessalonians 1:5

Which brings us to our last evidence of being led by the Spirit. While walking and serving and being led by the Spirit brings forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness in the soul. It produces joy in the heart, gives assurance of faith, and a confidence of an everlasting righteousness; yet there is a warfare that one is brought into just because you are being led by the Spirit to Christ. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if we suffer with [him], that we may be glorified together." Romans 8:17. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice, seeing ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." 1 Peter 4:12-14.

The Spirit of Christ is opposed by every other spirit in the world. In our day and age, especially in America, much of the resistance to the truth comes from the inside. In the church. Many professing Christians harboring a spirit of worldliness ready to cast off Christ’s rule any time it does not profit their cause, find their object of criticism in sincere believers, who motivated out of love wishes to put on Christ, both in doctrine and in life.

This attitude is a smoke in their nostrils, a branch despised, a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense. To actually follow Christ in obedience! At this point you will meet with the Judas spirit, who will sell out Christ every time, for the penury of this world. Then you have the flatterer with her lips, professing you to be men who know the way of salvation, seeking to corrupt the child of God by his most deadly enemy, his own sinful nature. But soon she is discerned to have her pay for such wickedness at the hands of hell.

But mostly and the greatest source of trouble and suffering will come to the true born child of GOD by that legion, that legion of professing Christians who wish to sleep with the wicked one in the name of love and evangelism. Who do the work of the LORD deceitfully, holding back their sword from blood, and again do not care for the promotion of the truth, who’s only aim is that peace peace, which GOD so hates that he promises will be met at with hailstones to tear down that false wall of unity. See Ezekiel 13 vs. 10-15, "Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: 11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it."

There is no true love where the glory of God and the truth of God is at expense. There is a false spirit of religion and piety and love that disregards Jesus Christ’s Word concerning any matter whatsoever. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. And yet this is one of the greatest aspects of suffering that those that are led of the Spirit have to endure.

BEWARE of False prophets that come in sheep’s clothing to devour the flock. If you are led of the Spirit you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh; your flesh or the flesh of others who seek to deny the GOD of Glory. Many are called but few are chosen. Amen