I think we have all heard someone say something like this. "I felt led to go up to that person and speak to him about the Lord." "I think I am being led to take that new job being offered!" etc.
None of these examples in Acts fall into the categories we are familiar with: "I think the Spirit is telling me…" or "I feel led to purchase that new Television…" The vocabulary is similar but the concepts are very different. The reason many think this is an accurate interpretation of Rom. 8:14 is because the word "led by the Spirit" seems to imply guidance!!!! What the Text Teaches 1. Overall thrust: Paul is talking about the life in the Spirit. 2. In verse 13, we see what we are to do with the Spirit, "but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." 3. Verse 14, which comes right after v. 13, says, ]: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." To argue that this is about "guidance" would not make sense — it does not fit the context. As one commentator aptly put it, "The leading of the Spirit in both contexts then is moral, not vocational." (BEC) That is, the leading of the Spirit is about holiness and not about guidance! The Spirit is only doing what the Godhead has willed. 1. Rethink your view of guidance and the Spirit. 2. Does the Spirit have no concern about the choices that I make, the decisions I take, etc. Will He not guide me? YES and NO. 3. Don't look for "promptings" for guidance from the Spirit. 4. Look to the Holy Spirit to open up His Word to you. 5. Bless the Lord Jesus Christ for the Holy Spirit.
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Dr. Mark Herzer has been the pastor of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (P.C.A.) in Warminster, PA since 1997. Before this, he was ordained to labor as an Assistant Pastor of Korean United Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1992-1995). He received his M.A.R. and Ph. D....
