Being Led by the Spirit, Not Under Law (Galatians 5:18)
This sermon explores the practical ways God guides believers in their daily lives. It delves into how to discern the Holy Spirit's leading through wisdom, peace, and community.
This sermon explains how God guides believers to profit in every area of life by being led by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes seeking wisdom, counsel, and discerning inner peace as practical steps to walk under grace, not law.
Overview
The sermon begins by highlighting God's desire to teach believers to profit in all aspects of life, from daily work to family relationships, emphasizing diligence as service to the Lord. It connects this divine teaching to meditating on God's written word, which, when opened, becomes the channel for God's spoken guidance. The preacher defines true rest not as inactivity, but as 'directed activity,' explaining that even discipline, when Spirit-led, brings rest.
Central to the sermon is the concept of guidance through humility and counsel. The speaker illustrates this through Solomon, who, despite his wisdom, surrounded himself with wise advisors, and Jesus, who submitted to his parents, thereby increasing in wisdom and favor. This leadership principle underlines that God often uses people and established processes, not just direct supernatural experiences, to guide His children.
The sermon then clarifies the distinction between operating under grace and under law: grace is God supplying, while law is God demanding. It asserts that when believers are led by the Spirit, they are not under the law. The Holy Spirit teaches all things and brings them to remembrance, primarily communicating through an inner sense of peace or its absence, which acts as an 'umpire' in decision-making.
Practically, being led by the Spirit involves asking God for wisdom, seeking counsel from trusted leaders, and taking action while sensing the Spirit's confirmation through peace. The preacher stresses that God guides a moving 'car,' meaning action is necessary for divine direction. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit's leading ensures that believers profit in their health, family, finances, and relationships, radiating the glory of God.
Key points
- God teaches believers to profit in all areas of life, for their own good and to glorify Jesus.
- Diligent work should be done heartily as unto the Lord, not just for men or bosses.
- Rest is defined as 'directed activity,' not inactivity, and is often found in obedience and appropriate discipline.
- God often guides through human channels, such as wise counselors and appointed leaders, encouraging teachableness and humility.
- Being 'led by the Spirit' means operating under grace (God supplying) rather than under law (God demanding), as stated in Galatians 5:18.
- The Holy Spirit teaches all things and brings them to remembrance, primarily leading through an inner sense of peace.
- Practical steps for discerning the Spirit's leading include asking God for wisdom, seeking counsel, and taking action while observing the presence or absence of peace.
In Joseph Prince's words
“The Holy Spirit teaches on the wavelength of peace.”
“Rest is directed activity.”
“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
Outline
- I. God's Design: Profit Through Diligence and His Word
- A. Diligence in work done as unto the Lord
- B. God teaches believers to profit (Isaiah 48:17)
- C. Good success through meditating on God's Word (Joshua 1:8)
- D. God's spoken word comes from His written word
- II. Rest as Directed Activity, Not Inactivity
- A. True rest involves purposeful action, not idleness
- B. Discipline and correction bring rest
- III. Wisdom Through Counsel and Humility
- A. God uses people and accountability; don't just say "God told me"
- B. Solomon surrounded himself with wise counselors
- C. Jesus' example of submission to parents (Luke 2:24) releases favor and increases wisdom
- D. Different functions, not inferiority, in relationships
- IV. Understanding Grace and Being Led by the Spirit
- A. Grace (God supplying) versus Law (God demanding)
- B. Being led by the Spirit means not being under the law (Galatians 5:18, Romans 6:14)
- V. How the Holy Spirit Guides Us
- A. The Spirit teaches all things and brings remembrance (John 14:26)
- B. God wants your life to glorify Jesus and profit in every area
- C. Practical steps for guidance:
- 1. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5-6)
- 2. Start doing the next thing, discerning peace
- 3. Consult wise counselors ("multitude of counselors there is safety")
- 4. Listen when your peace is affected; peace acts as an umpire (Colossians)
- 5. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:14, 16)
- D. God cannot guide a parked car; action is necessary
- E. Follow after love and compassion
- VI. Conclusion: A Life of Supernatural Grace and Profit
Scripture references
- Isaiah 48:17
- Joshua 1:8
- Proverbs
- 1 Corinthians 2
- Romans 6:14
- Galatians 5:18
- John 14:26
- John 14:27
- Luke 2:24
- Ephesians
- Colossians
- 1 Peter
- Romans 8:14
- Romans 8:16
- James 1:5
- James 1:6
- 1 Samuel 16:1
17 Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
1 And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth–lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Insights
The Spirit's leading often feels like an inner peace, or its quiet absence.
True rest allows for purposeful action, guided by divine wisdom.
God uses wise people to refine the Spirit's guidance in our lives.
Questions & answers
What does the sermon say about God teaching believers to profit?
The sermon states that God, our Redeemer, teaches us to profit in every area of life, including family, social life, and health. This profit is for our good and reflects God's desire for our success, not just His own.
How is 'rest' defined in this sermon?
The sermon defines 'rest' as 'directed activity,' not inactivity. It clarifies that true rest involves engaging in purposeful actions guided by the Holy Spirit, which brings an inner calm even amidst outward busyness.
What role does peace play in being led by the Holy Spirit?
Peace is presented as the 'wavelength' on which the Holy Spirit teaches. When a believer lacks peace about a decision or action, it is a signal from the Spirit not to proceed, acting as an 'umpire' in their life.
Why does the sermon emphasize seeking counsel from others?
The sermon teaches that God uses people, and that in the 'multitude of counselors there is safety.' Consulting wise individuals and leaders helps confirm what the Holy Spirit is prompting, ensuring accountability and preventing self-deception.
What does it mean to be 'not under the law' but 'under grace'?
To be 'under grace' means God is supplying strength, wisdom, and resources, while 'under law' implies demanding by one's own effort. The sermon clarifies that when led by the Spirit, believers are operating under grace, where God empowers their actions.
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