LEVEL 2: DISCERNMENT & SPIRITUAL STABILITY

SESSION 2: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT?

Primary Scriptures

Romans 8:1–17
Galatians 5:16–25
Galatians 5:25
John 16:13
Psalm 143:10

INTRODUCTION

One of the most quoted verses concerning spiritual guidance is Romans 8:14:

Romans 8:14

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

Many Christians immediately interpret this verse to mean that God will regularly give them personal instructions about where to go, what to do, whom to marry, what job to take, what business to start, or what decision to make.

God can certainly guide believers in practical matters.

However, if we want to understand Romans 8:14 correctly, we must first examine the verse in its context.

Paul’s main subject in Romans 8 is not personal guidance concerning everyday decisions.

He is discussing the difference between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit.

He is speaking about holiness.

He is speaking about obedience.

He is speaking about putting sinful practices to death.

He is speaking about the evidence that someone belongs to God.

Understanding this context gives us a much stronger foundation for learning how the Holy Spirit leads believers.

1. LET’S BEGIN WITH THE CONTEXT

Romans 8 begins with a powerful statement:

Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Paul immediately introduces two different ways of living:

• Walking after the flesh.
• Walking after the Spirit.

This contrast continues throughout the passage.

Romans 8:5 says:

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”

Paul is discussing the direction of a person’s life.

What controls your thinking?

What governs your desires?

What shapes your decisions?

What are you pursuing?

What are you obeying?

These questions are central to being led by the Spirit.

2. WHAT DOES “FLESH” MEAN?

In passages such as Romans 8 and Galatians 5, “the flesh” refers to the sinful nature and desires that oppose the will of God.

Paul writes:

Romans 8:8

“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

Galatians 5 gives examples of the works of the flesh:

Galatians 5:19–21

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…”

The flesh represents desires and behaviors that resist God’s rule.

Therefore, when Scripture speaks about walking in the Spirit, it is speaking about a life increasingly governed by God rather than by sinful desire.

3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK AFTER THE SPIRIT?

To walk after the Spirit means that the direction of your life is increasingly brought into agreement with the will of God.

It involves:

• Obedience.
• Holiness.
• Submission to God.
• Self-control.
• Renewing the mind.
• Rejecting sinful desires.
• Following truth.
• Developing the fruit of the Spirit.

Paul writes:

Galatians 5:16

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Notice the connection.

Walking in the Spirit affects how you deal with sinful desire.

Paul continues:

Galatians 5:17

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other…”

There is conflict.

The Christian life involves choosing whom you will obey.

4. ROMANS 8:13 EXPLAINS ROMANS 8:14

Romans 8:14 should never be separated from the verse before it.

Romans 8:13 says:

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Then Paul says:

Romans 8:14

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

The word “for” connects verse 14 with what Paul has just said.

Those who are led by the Spirit are those who are allowing the Spirit of God to lead them away from the works of the flesh and into a life that pleases God.

This does not remove the Holy Spirit’s guidance concerning practical matters.

But it tells us that the first and most important meaning of being led by the Spirit is not receiving constant supernatural instructions.

It is living under the influence, direction and rule of the Holy Spirit.

5. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT MUST AFFECT YOUR CHARACTER

Someone may claim:

“God speaks to me all the time.”

But the more important question is:

What kind of life is that person living?

Does the person’s life demonstrate:

• Love?
• Joy?
• Peace?
• Longsuffering?
• Gentleness?
• Goodness?
• Faith?
• Meekness?
• Temperance?

Galatians 5:22–23 identifies these qualities as the fruit of the Spirit.

A person can speak constantly about prophecy, dreams, visions and supernatural experiences while still lacking spiritual maturity.

Being led by the Holy Spirit should produce visible changes in character.

6. THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS US AWAY FROM SIN

The Holy Spirit will never lead you into sin.

This should be obvious, yet many believers have accepted questionable behavior because someone claimed:

“God told me.”

Suppose someone says:

“God told me to enter into a relationship with someone else’s husband or wife.”

That did not come from the Holy Spirit.

Suppose someone says:

“God told me to deceive these people because the result will be good.”

That did not come from the Holy Spirit.

Suppose someone says:

“God told me I do not need to forgive that person.”

That contradicts Scripture.

The Holy Spirit is holy.

The Holy Spirit will never guide you to violate the truth He inspired.

7. THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS US INTO TRUTH

Jesus said:

John 16:13

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”

The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth.

Therefore, His guidance agrees with truth.

This gives you an immediate test for claimed spiritual direction.

Ask:

Does this agree with what God has already revealed?

Never assume that a spiritual impression carries more authority than Scripture.

If your impression and Scripture disagree, Scripture must govern your conclusion.

8. THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD

One of the clearest ways God guides believers is through His Word.

Psalm 119:105 says:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Many Christians want an extraordinary word from God while ignoring the words God has already given.

For example:

Someone asks:

“Should I forgive this person?”

God has already spoken.

Someone asks:

“Should I be honest?”

God has already spoken.

Someone asks:

“Should I love my enemy?”

God has already spoken.

Someone asks:

“Should I flee sexual immorality?”

God has already spoken.

You do not need a dream, prophecy or sign to obey what Scripture clearly teaches.

The more familiar you become with God’s Word, the more capable you become of recognizing guidance that agrees with God’s will.

9. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT REQUIRES SUBMISSION

The Holy Spirit leads.

You follow.

This seems simple, but it requires surrender.

Sometimes believers say they want God’s guidance when they have already decided what they want.

They pray:

“Lord, show me Your will.”

But internally they mean:

“Lord, confirm what I already want to do.”

True guidance requires willingness to obey even when God’s direction challenges your preference.

Psalm 143:10 says:

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”

Notice David’s prayer:

“Teach me to do thy will.”

That should be part of our own desire.

10. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOUR DESIRES

Not every desire comes from God.

Some desires come from:

• Personal preference.
• Fear.
• Ambition.
• Loneliness.
• Pride.
• Anger.
• Lust.
• Financial pressure.
• Jealousy.
• Social pressure.

This is why saying:

“I feel strongly about it”

does not automatically mean:

“God is leading me.”

Strong desire is not proof of divine direction.

Sometimes what you strongly desire may be perfectly acceptable.

At other times your desire may need correction.

Discernment requires you to distinguish between:

What I want

and

What God wants.

11. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOUR EMOTIONS

Emotions are part of human life.

Joy, sadness, fear, excitement, disappointment and affection are real.

But emotions are not infallible guides.

You can feel peaceful about a poor decision.

You can feel afraid about something God wants you to do.

You can feel excited about something unwise.

You can feel uncomfortable while doing something right.

Therefore, you should not automatically interpret every emotional response as the Holy Spirit’s direction.

Your emotions may provide information, but they must be examined.

12. WHAT ABOUT “HAVING PEACE” ABOUT A DECISION?

Christians often say:

“I have peace about it.”

Peace can be important.

But peace by itself should not become the sole test of God’s will.

A person can feel peaceful because:

• They have already made up their mind.
• They are emotionally attached to the outcome.
• The decision removes pressure.
• The decision gives immediate relief.
• They strongly desire the result.

Therefore, when making an important decision, ask more than:

“Do I feel peace?”

Also ask:

• Does this agree with Scripture?
• Is it wise?
• What are the likely consequences?
• Have I prayed honestly?
• Am I ignoring warning signs?
• Have mature believers given me sound counsel?
• Am I forcing something because I strongly want it?

Peace can be part of discernment, but it should not be isolated from truth and wisdom.

13. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN GUIDE THROUGH WISDOM

Some believers expect God to give supernatural instructions concerning every decision.

But Scripture also tells us to seek wisdom.

James 1:5 says:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…”

Wisdom helps you make responsible choices.

Suppose you have two legitimate job offers.

Neither violates Scripture.

You may examine:

• Salary.
• Working hours.
• Distance.
• Family responsibilities.
• Opportunity for growth.
• Working conditions.
• Your abilities.
• Your long-term responsibilities.

You can pray and make a wise decision.

You do not necessarily need a vision telling you which job to take.

Spiritual maturity includes learning how to use wisdom.

14. GOD MAY GUIDE THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT CIRCUMSTANCES MUST BE INTERPRETED CAREFULLY

Sometimes circumstances open or close opportunities.

But an open door does not automatically mean God wants you to enter.

A closed door does not automatically mean God wants you to stop.

Paul sometimes encountered open opportunities.

At other times he encountered opposition while still carrying out God’s will.

Therefore, circumstances can contribute to discernment, but they should not become your only guide.

Ask:

• Does this agree with Scripture?
• Is this wise?
• What evidence do I have?
• Am I interpreting circumstances according to what I want?

15. GOD MAY USE GODLY COUNSEL

Proverbs repeatedly speaks about the value of counsel.

Proverbs 11:14

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

Mature counsel can help you recognize something you have overlooked.

But counsel must also be evaluated.

Someone being older does not make every opinion correct.

Someone holding a church position does not make every piece of advice infallible.

Seek counsel from people who:

• Know Scripture.
• Demonstrate godly character.
• Understand the situation.
• Are willing to tell you the truth.
• Do not have a hidden interest in your decision.

16. THE HOLY SPIRIT MAY USE SPIRITUAL IMPRESSIONS

There are times when believers experience an inward prompting or impression.

Scripture records instances where the Spirit directed believers in specific ways.

Acts 8:29 says:

“Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”

Acts 10 records Peter receiving divine direction concerning Cornelius.

Acts 13 records the Holy Ghost directing the church concerning Barnabas and Saul.

Therefore, we should not deny that God can give specific direction.

However, we must also learn to test impressions.

Ask:

• Does this contradict Scripture?
• Is this merely something I want?
• Am I assuming certainty when I am actually unsure?
• Is there supporting wisdom or confirmation?
• What happens if I am mistaken?

Humility is important.

Sometimes it is wiser to say:

“I believe the Lord may be leading me in this direction”

rather than:

“God told me, and there is no possibility I could be wrong.”

17. MATURITY INCLUDES ACKNOWLEDGING THAT YOU CAN MISUNDERSTAND

A sincere Christian can misunderstand an impression.

A mature Christian can make a mistake.

A genuine believer can incorrectly interpret a dream.

A person can misunderstand a prophecy.

Recognizing this does not weaken faith.

It encourages humility.

Paul says:

1 Corinthians 13:9

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.”

Our understanding is limited.

Therefore, when dealing with personal guidance, humility protects us.

18. DO NOT USE “GOD TOLD ME” TO CONTROL OTHER PEOPLE

This deserves special attention.

Suppose someone tells another person:

“God told me you are supposed to marry me.”

The other person is now placed under spiritual pressure.

Suppose a leader says:

“God told me you must give this amount of money.”

Again, spiritual pressure is being applied.

Suppose someone says:

“God told me you cannot leave this church.”

These statements can become tools of manipulation.

If God gives you personal direction, your responsibility is to obey God.

You should be very careful about using claimed revelation to control another person’s decisions.

We will examine spiritual manipulation in much greater detail later in Level 2.

19. THE SPIRIT LEADS US INTO HOLINESS

Return to Romans 8.

Romans 8:13 says:

“…if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

To “mortify” means to put to death.

Through the Spirit, believers resist sinful practices.

Therefore, one of the clearest evidences of being led by the Spirit is growing victory over sin.

Ask yourself:

Am I becoming more obedient?

Am I becoming more honest?

Am I forgiving more quickly?

Am I controlling my tongue?

Am I resisting lust?

Am I abandoning bitterness?

Am I developing self-control?

Am I becoming more faithful?

These questions may reveal more about spiritual maturity than asking how many supernatural experiences you have had.

20. THE SPIRIT LEADS US TO PRODUCE HIS FRUIT

Galatians 5:25 says:

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Immediately before this, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit.

Therefore, walking in the Spirit and producing spiritual fruit belong together.

The fruit includes:

• Love.
• Joy.
• Peace.
• Longsuffering.
• Gentleness.
• Goodness.
• Faith.
• Meekness.
• Temperance.

These qualities should increasingly appear in a Spirit-led life.

21. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT DOES NOT REMOVE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Some Christians become afraid to make decisions because they fear moving outside God’s will.

They constantly ask:

“Did God tell me?”

“What if I choose the wrong thing?”

“What if I miss God’s voice?”

This can lead to spiritual anxiety.

God has given you:

• Scripture.
• Wisdom.
• Prayer.
• A renewed mind.
• Counsel.
• Experience.
• Responsibility.

There are many situations where several choices may be morally acceptable.

You can pray, examine the facts, make a wise decision and trust God.

Spiritual maturity does not mean becoming incapable of acting unless you receive supernatural confirmation.

22. HOW TO APPROACH MAJOR DECISIONS

When facing an important decision, use a process rather than relying on one feeling.

Step 1: Check Scripture

Does Scripture forbid or command anything related to the decision?

If Scripture clearly answers the question, obey Scripture.

Step 2: Examine Your Motives

Ask:

Why do I want this?

Fear?

Money?

Status?

Love?

Service?

Obedience?

Pride?

Step 3: Pray

Ask God for wisdom and clarity.

Step 4: Gather Facts

Do not spiritualize something you have not properly investigated.

Step 5: Seek Sound Counsel

Speak with mature people where appropriate.

Step 6: Consider Consequences

What will this decision likely produce?

Step 7: Examine Your Spiritual Condition

Are you making this decision while angry, desperate, lonely, fearful or under pressure?

Step 8: Wait When Necessary

Some decisions do not require an immediate answer.

Step 9: Decide

After prayer, Scripture, wisdom and careful consideration, make the best decision you can.

Step 10: Remain Teachable

If new information proves that you were mistaken, be willing to adjust.

23. FIVE TESTS FOR CLAIMED SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE

When you believe the Holy Spirit may be leading you, ask these five questions.

Test 1: The Scripture Test

Does it agree with Scripture?

Test 2: The Character Test

Does this direction encourage righteousness, truth and obedience?

Test 3: The Wisdom Test

Is this responsible and wise?

Test 4: The Motive Test

Am I confusing my desire with God’s direction?

Test 5: The Fruit Test

What kind of result is this likely to produce?

These tests do not make discernment automatic, but they help protect you from impulsive decisions.

24. SIGNS THAT YOU MAY BE CONFUSING YOUR OWN DESIRE WITH GOD’S LEADING

Be cautious when:

• You refuse to consider any evidence against your decision.
• You become angry when someone asks reasonable questions.
• You search only for people who agree with you.
• You keep changing your interpretation until it supports what you want.
• You ignore clear Scripture.
• You depend entirely on feelings.
• You demand immediate action when patience would be wiser.
• You use “God told me” to prevent discussion.
• You are unwilling to admit that you could be mistaken.

Humility keeps discernment healthy.

25. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: CHOOSING A JOB

Suppose you receive two job offers.

Job A

• Higher salary.
• Longer commute.
• More pressure.
• Less family time.

Job B

• Lower salary.
• Shorter commute.
• Better schedule.
• Greater stability.

Neither job requires sinful conduct.

How do you determine God’s will?

You pray.

You compare responsibilities.

You examine your family’s needs.

You consider finances.

You seek wisdom.

You examine long-term consequences.

You may feel drawn toward one option.

After careful consideration, you choose.

This can still be Spirit-led decision-making even if you did not hear an audible voice, receive a prophecy, or see a vision.

26. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: A RELATIONSHIP

Suppose you feel strongly attracted to someone.

You may say:

“I have peace about this person.”

But further examination reveals:

• The person regularly lies.
• The person rejects your faith.
• The person pressures you toward sexual sin.
• Mature people who know both of you are concerned.

Your feeling of peace should not override serious evidence.

Spiritual discernment requires truth.

27. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: A MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY

Suppose someone invites you to preach at a large event.

You feel excited.

Is excitement proof that God wants you to go?

No.

You should also ask:

• What does the ministry teach?
• Who is organizing the event?
• What will my participation communicate?
• Are there doctrinal or ethical concerns?
• Am I attracted primarily by exposure or recognition?

Spiritual opportunities still require discernment.

28. THE GOAL IS NOT TO BECOME AFRAID OF MAKING A MISTAKE

This lesson should not make you frightened about spiritual guidance.

The goal is maturity.

You can learn.

You can grow.

You can become more familiar with Scripture.

You can become more honest about your motives.

You can become more patient.

You can become more willing to receive correction.

You can become more skilled at recognizing the difference between desire, emotion, wisdom and spiritual leading.

God is interested in developing your character as much as directing your decisions.

PRACTICAL EXERCISE

The Guidance Review

Think about one important decision you made in the past.

Write down:

1. What decision did I make?
2. What did I believe God was telling me?
3. What Scripture did I consider?
4. What emotions were influencing me?
5. What did I strongly want?
6. Did I seek counsel?
7. Did I examine the facts?
8. What happened afterward?
9. Looking back, what did I understand correctly?
10. What would I do differently today?

The purpose is not to condemn yourself.

The purpose is to learn.

SEVEN-DAY PRACTICE

For seven days, begin each morning with this prayer:

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good…”

Read one of the following passages each day:

Day 1: Romans 8:1–17
Day 2: Galatians 5:13–26
Day 3: Proverbs 3:1–7
Day 4: James 1:5–8
Day 5: Psalm 119:97–105
Day 6: John 16:7–15
Day 7: Colossians 3:12–17

Each day ask:

• What does God clearly require?
• What part of my life needs to come into agreement with this passage?
• Am I resisting anything God has already made clear?

STUDENT REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What is the primary context of Romans 8:14?
2. What does it mean to walk after the flesh?
3. What does it mean to walk after the Spirit?
4. How does Romans 8:13 help explain Romans 8:14?
5. Why should spiritual guidance never contradict Scripture?
6. Why can strong emotions be unreliable as the sole basis for guidance?
7. What role does wisdom play in decision-making?
8. Can a sincere Christian misunderstand what they believe God told them? Explain.
9. Why can saying “God told me” become spiritually manipulative?
10. What evidence should appear in the life of someone who is genuinely being led by the Holy Spirit?

PERSONAL APPLICATION

One area of my life where I need greater spiritual discipline is:

One decision I need to examine more carefully is:

One desire that may be influencing my judgment is:

One biblical principle I will apply this week is:

SESSION 2 QUIZ

1. Romans 8:14 says that those who are led by the Spirit of God are:

A. Prophets
B. Apostles
C. Sons of God
D. Teachers

Answer: C

2. The primary context surrounding Romans 8:14 concerns:

A. Financial prosperity
B. Walking according to the Spirit rather than the flesh
C. Church government
D. Missionary travel

Answer: B

3. Romans 8:13 teaches believers through the Spirit to:

A. Seek supernatural signs
B. Mortify the deeds of the body
C. Avoid making decisions
D. Follow every feeling

Answer: B

4. Galatians 5:16 says:

A. Walk in the Spirit
B. Follow your heart
C. Trust every impression
D. Avoid all decisions

Answer: A

5. Strong feelings always prove that the Holy Spirit is leading.

True or False?

Answer: False

6. Which should have the highest authority when evaluating spiritual guidance?

A. Personal desire
B. Dreams
C. Scripture
D. Circumstances

Answer: C

7. A mature believer should be willing to admit:

A. That spiritual guidance is impossible
B. That they can sometimes misunderstand an impression
C. That emotions are always wrong
D. That wisdom is unnecessary

Answer: B

8. Which is part of the fruit of the Spirit?

A. Pride
B. Temperance
C. Ambition
D. Popularity

Answer: B

9. “God told me” should never be used to:

A. Encourage prayer
B. Manipulate another person’s decision
C. Express humility
D. Examine Scripture

Answer: B

10. Being led by the Spirit should increasingly produce:

A. Dependence upon signs
B. Fear of making decisions
C. Christlike character
D. Spiritual pride

Answer: C

KEY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER

1. Romans 8:14 must be understood within its context.
2. Being led by the Spirit includes being led away from the works of the flesh.
3. The Holy Spirit leads believers toward holiness, truth and obedience.
4. The Holy Spirit will never contradict Scripture.
5. Strong emotions do not automatically equal divine guidance.
6. Peace can contribute to discernment but should not be used as the only test.
7. God gives believers wisdom and expects them to use it.
8. Circumstances can assist discernment but should be interpreted carefully.
9. A sincere believer can misunderstand a spiritual impression.
10. Spiritual maturity includes humility, responsibility and willingness to be corrected.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, teach me to do Your will.

Help me to walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh.

Give me wisdom to recognize where my own desires, fears and emotions may be influencing my decisions.

Help me to love Your Word and obey what You have already revealed.

Holy Spirit, lead me into truth.

Correct me when I am wrong.

Strengthen me when I am tempted.

Produce Your fruit within my life.

Give me humility to admit when I do not know, patience when I need to wait, and courage to obey when Your will is clear.

May my life increasingly reflect Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.