Holy Spirit-Led Living

This story is an example of being led and directed by the Holy Spirit as they walked close to Jesus.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.

So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. (~ 200 miles)

That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. – Acts 16:6-10

Observations and Questions: (For our considerations and learning) Read and wonder…

1. They were forbidden/prevented by the Holy Spirit to 1) preach in Asia & 2) to go to Mysia/Bithynia.

2. ‘Why’ and How did the Holy Spirit ‘prevent’ them ? Why aren’t we told ‘how’ - HS guided them?

3. A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9. (faith & trust)

4. The Holy Spirit was leading them while ‘on the way’ - They were discovering God’s plans. (You?)

5. What was Paul’s response? Even though he realized they had ‘missed it’, they kept going - didn’t quit.

6. Hearing God and following Him is not always clear and trouble-free, even for the Apostle Paul.

7. Personal example:

8. The destination isn’t always the goal, the journey is important – Where we learn faith, trust. God does use circumstances, difficult times, frustrating times, disappointing things, as He molds us and leads us.

(What is God doing ‘in you’ when your plans don’t work out?)

Led by & Responding to the Holy Spirit – Learning to intuitively (spontaneously) respond to the Holy Spirit.

1. Importance of the Word of God in our lives – Developing a ‘hearing ear’ to God’s voice.

1. God’s Primary means of speaking to us today ? the Word of God, the Bible (reservoir)

2. We must be people of the Word… reading/studying/memorizing/applying to life/being shaped by…

3. Whenever we hear the Word or open the scriptures, we should tune our souls to a readiness to be shaped, taught, corrected or advised. It’s the key to growth, fruitfulness and blessing.

4. Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ~ John 10:27

5. God speaks to us by the Holy Spirit, instructively, correctively, directively or protectively.

a. God speaks as the Holy Spirit brings alive something we are reading in scripture…

b. When we get inner promptings, divinely given intuition, insight or warning…

c. God ALWAYS speaks in accordance with the scriptures, which is the absolute & final authority.

d. He won’t speak to you something that violates the Word.

e. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. ~ Psalm 119:11

2. Following God’s Leading and Directives - Led by & Responding to the Holy Spirit

1. Jerry Cook – Test what you hear - if it’s not illegal, immoral, or unbiblical - do it.

HS will give direction, God’s will as a road just like when you’re driving through Washoe Valley & you drift out of your lane there is an audible noise to get you back in your lane. Stay in your lane.

2. Learning to intuitively respond to the Holy Spirit; His ‘still, small voice’ – the ‘whispers’ of God.

3. Because He lives in us, His presence is constant.

4. We can live with the awareness of the immediacy of His presence, and grow in it.

5. Spirit-filled / Spirit-led living: Living in the constant awareness of His presence, recognizing and responding to His unique voice, prompting and leadings. (Personal & availability to minister to others)

“Spirituality is the sum of our responses to what we believe to be the voice of God.” _ JWHayford

That’s a great definition of spiritual growth—

Tuning our hearts to what the Lord says and responding on His terms.