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There are many benefits to being led by God’s Spirit. This is an expression that we hear often in the New Testament. It teaches us to no longer live for ourselves, but for God. It is not enough to try to make our own plans, we must include God in them. God will show us when and how to do things. Sometimes we feel something uneasy or a lack of peace before we do something. Many times, this is God speaking to us wanting to guide us in all we do.
If you want to reap the benefits you must allow God’s Spirit to speak to you. Today we will look at some of the benefits of being led by the Holy Spirit. At times like we are living today we need this more than ever.
1. The benefits of power over sin.
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. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:13, 14
When you became a Christian, you received a special power that you did not have before. You can now refuse to sin. When you did not follow Christ, you did whatever you wanted. Sin would take you out every time. Many times, leading you deeper than you ever wanted to go. As a Christian, you can now refuse to sin. The Holy Spirit lives in you and He gives you the power and ability to say no.
There will be a struggle because there is a war on the inside of you as outlined in the above verse. The Spirit wants to do what is right, but the flesh wants to do the exact opposite. We must learn to dominate our flesh by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.
The more we listen to the Spirit, the stronger we become. It is beneficial for us to take a moment each day and ask God what His plans are for us. Do not just make plans, ask God what He thinks. God has saved us from many dangers as we have sought His face for times and days to do things. The Apostles knew these benefits as well.
2. The Benefits of aligning your plans with God’s plans
Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in [a]Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10
God can change our plans at any moment. At times we can have good plans. The Apostles were wanting to do something they believed to be God’s will. After all, they were going to preach the Gospel. Why would God forbid them to do that? God did just that. He knew there was something better. God’s plans are always greater than ours.
Sometimes we can have great plans, but God can make us more effective. We become more effective when we follow God’s plans. In other words when we are led by The Holy Spirit. Flexibility is always key in God’s Kingdom. He may tell you to do something different than you are thinking. Your plans may change suddenly. Instead of becoming upset and frustrated learn to flow with how He is leading you.
3. The benefits of hearing God’s voice
And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Exodus 3:2-5
Even Moses in the Old Testament was led by God’s Spirit. He saw something interesting, and it compelled him to look and see. God often wants to catch our attention, but we must be willing to look and see it. As Christians we are often busy, sometimes even doing things for God, that we do not see that He is calling us to focus on something else.
God wants to have a powerful encounter with you. Sometimes you need to lean in to hear God’s voice a little more. God is always speaking, but we do not always tune in to what He is saying. If you want to receive the benefits of being led by The Spirit you must be willing to listen for His voice and be ready to change plans at any time.
Conclusion:
God’s desire is that all His children would learn to hear His voice. He wants to guide us so that we make the right decision every time. He wants to become involved in our daily lives. Choose today to allow God to guide you in every detail of your life.
Steven Stoffelsen
Author of Trusting God’s Timing
Founder of House of Refuge Street Ministries
