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)