Being Led by the Spirit: A Call to Sanctification
Summary
### Summary
In this sermon, the focus is on the holistic sanctification of the believer, emphasizing the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit rather than by emotions or the soul. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:23, the message underscores that humans are composed of spirit, soul, and body, and that each part needs to be sanctified and aligned with God's will. The spirit of a born-again believer is already perfect in Christ, but the soul, which includes intellect, emotions, and will, requires ongoing transformation through the Word of God.
The sermon highlights the distinction between being led by the Spirit and being led by the soul. It warns against confusing emotional guidance with spiritual guidance, stressing that true spiritual maturity comes from a deep, active relationship with the Word of God. The conscience of a believer, which is the voice of the Spirit, must be nurtured and activated through daily engagement with Scripture.
The message also addresses the pitfalls of relying on external signs or other people for guidance, advocating instead for personal spiritual maturity and direct guidance from the Holy Spirit. It calls for believers to not let their emotions dictate their actions but to be grounded in the truth of God's Word. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer, urging the congregation to seek a deeper love for the Word of God and to be led by the Spirit in all aspects of life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Holistic Sanctification: God desires to sanctify us wholly—spirit, soul, and body. While our spirit is made perfect in Christ at the moment of salvation, our soul requires continuous transformation through the Word of God. This ongoing process is essential for spiritual maturity and alignment with God's will. [01:38]
2. Distinguishing Spiritual Guidance from Emotional Guidance: It is crucial to differentiate between being led by the Holy Spirit and being led by our emotions. Emotional guidance can often lead us astray, whereas the Holy Spirit always aligns with the truth of God's Word. True spiritual maturity involves being led from the inside out, by the Spirit within us. [03:44]
3. The Role of the Conscience: The conscience of a believer, which is the voice of the Spirit, must be nurtured through a living relationship with the Word of God. An active conscience helps us discern God's voice clearly and guides our emotions and decisions. Without this, other voices can easily drown out the Spirit's guidance. [05:48]
4. Avoiding Reliance on External Signs: Many believers fall into the trap of seeking external signs or relying on others for guidance. This can lead to spiritual immaturity and dependence on human opinions rather than God's Word. True guidance comes from a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and a deep understanding of Scripture. [10:48]
5. Emotions and Spiritual Life: Emotions are deeply connected to our physical senses and can be influenced by external circumstances. However, spiritual emotions are those that are aligned with the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word. Believers must learn to distinguish between natural emotions and spiritual emotions to live a victorious Christian life. [27:21]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - Understanding Our Spiritual Composition
[02:29] - The Importance of the Soul
[03:09] - Being Led by the Spirit
[03:44] - Inner Guidance from the Holy Spirit
[04:20] - The Role of the Conscience
[05:04] - Activating the Conscience through the Word
[05:48] - The Power of a Living Relationship with the Word
[06:30] - Emotions and Spiritual Guidance
[07:15] - Carnal vs. Spiritual Christians
[08:07] - Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us
[08:40] - Living as Victorious Christians
[09:12] - The Danger of Relying on Signs
[10:48] - Avoiding Demonic and Soulish Guidance
[11:26] - The Problem with Prophetic Assumptions
[12:30] - Personal Spiritual Maturity
[13:32] - The Risk of Depending on Others for Guidance
[14:08] - Emotions and God's Presence
[15:15] - The Role of the Word in Spiritual Maturity
[15:50] - The Power of God's Word
[16:21] - Growing in the Word
[17:20] - Discernment through the Word
[18:23] - The Separating Power of the Word
[18:53] - The Critical Function of the Word
[19:23] - Vulnerability to the Word
[19:53] - Controlling Emotions
[20:24] - Jesus' Example in Gethsemane
[21:27] - Aligning with God's Will
[21:59] - Carnal vs. Spiritual Thinking
[23:02] - The Benefits of Spiritual Thinking
[24:38] - The Enmity of Carnal Thinking
[25:06] - Living According to the Spirit
[25:44] - The Connection Between Emotions and Senses
[26:29] - Natural vs. Spiritual Emotions
[27:21] - The Importance of Spiritual Emotions
[28:22] - The Source of the Message
[29:05] - Dependence on God Alone
[29:50] - The Danger of Carnal Christianity
[30:36] - The Call to Spiritual Maturity
[31:19] - The Principle of Forgiveness
[32:20] - The Role of Decision in Forgiveness
[33:30] - The Importance of Discernment
[34:21] - The Spiritual Problem of Emotions
[35:23] - The Enemy's Use of Emotions
[36:23] - The Role of Scripture in Guidance
[37:20] - The Discomfort of Truth
[38:14] - The Unchanging Mind of God
[38:59] - The Importance of Spiritual Guidance
[39:50] - The Transformative Power of God's Word
[40:28] - Living According to God's Truth
[41:09] - Prayer and Reflection
[41:58] - The Call to Spiritual Christians
[42:39] - The Importance of Loving God's Word
[43:22] - The Danger of Misguided Guidance
[44:10] - The Need for Spiritual Guidance
[45:05] - Prayer for Love of the Word
[46:06] - Prayer for Specific Needs
[53:03] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Hebrews 4:12
Romans 8:5-6
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, what are the three parts of a person that need to be sanctified?
2. How does Hebrews 4:12 describe the Word of God and its effect on the soul and spirit?
3. In Romans 8:5-6, what is the difference between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit?
4. What does the sermon say about the role of the conscience in a believer's life? [04:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for the soul to undergo continuous transformation, even though the spirit is already perfect in Christ? [01:38]
2. How can believers distinguish between being led by the Holy Spirit and being led by their emotions? [03:44]
3. What are the dangers of relying on external signs or other people for spiritual guidance, according to the sermon? [10:48]
4. How does the sermon explain the connection between emotions and physical senses, and why is it important to differentiate between natural and spiritual emotions? [27:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How much time do you spend engaging with the Word of God? What steps can you take to increase this time and deepen your relationship with Scripture? [05:48]
2. Think of a recent decision you made based on emotions. How might that decision have been different if you had sought guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God instead? [06:30]
3. Have you ever relied on external signs or other people for guidance? How can you shift towards seeking direct guidance from the Holy Spirit? [10:48]
4. Identify a situation where your emotions have dictated your actions. How can you ground yourself in the truth of God's Word to respond differently in the future? [09:12]
5. Consider the role of your conscience. How can you nurture and activate it through daily engagement with Scripture? What practical steps will you take this week to achieve this? [04:20]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually immature. What changes can you make to grow in spiritual maturity and avoid being led astray by emotions or external influences? [12:30]
7. How can you cultivate spiritual emotions that align with the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word? Identify one specific action you will take this week to foster these spiritual emotions. [27:21]
Devotional
### Day 1: Holistic Sanctification
Description: Holistic sanctification is the process by which God desires to sanctify us wholly—spirit, soul, and body. While our spirit is made perfect in Christ at the moment of salvation, our soul, which includes our intellect, emotions, and will, requires continuous transformation through the Word of God. This ongoing process is essential for spiritual maturity and alignment with God's will. The spirit of a born-again believer is already perfect in Christ, but the soul needs to be continually renewed and aligned with God's truth. This transformation is achieved through daily engagement with Scripture and a deep, active relationship with the Word of God. [01:38]
Bible Passage: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to engage more deeply with the Word of God and allow it to transform your soul?
### Day 2: Distinguishing Spiritual Guidance from Emotional Guidance
Description: It is crucial to differentiate between being led by the Holy Spirit and being led by our emotions. Emotional guidance can often lead us astray, whereas the Holy Spirit always aligns with the truth of God's Word. True spiritual maturity involves being led from the inside out, by the Spirit within us. Emotions are deeply connected to our physical senses and can be influenced by external circumstances. However, spiritual emotions are those that are aligned with the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word. Believers must learn to distinguish between natural emotions and spiritual emotions to live a victorious Christian life. [03:44]
Bible Passage: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." — Romans 8:14 (ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a recent decision where you were led by emotions rather than the Holy Spirit? How can you seek the Spirit's guidance in similar situations in the future?
### Day 3: The Role of the Conscience
Description: The conscience of a believer, which is the voice of the Spirit, must be nurtured through a living relationship with the Word of God. An active conscience helps us discern God's voice clearly and guides our emotions and decisions. Without this, other voices can easily drown out the Spirit's guidance. The conscience needs to be activated and kept sensitive through daily engagement with Scripture. This allows believers to discern God's will more accurately and avoid being misled by their own emotions or external influences. [05:48]
Bible Passage: "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." — 1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you nurture your conscience through daily engagement with Scripture? What practical steps can you take to ensure your conscience remains sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance?
### Day 4: Avoiding Reliance on External Signs
Description: Many believers fall into the trap of seeking external signs or relying on others for guidance. This can lead to spiritual immaturity and dependence on human opinions rather than God's Word. True guidance comes from a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and a deep understanding of Scripture. Relying on external signs can make us vulnerable to deception and prevent us from developing a mature, personal relationship with God. Instead, we should seek direct guidance from the Holy Spirit and cultivate a deep love for the Word of God. [10:48]
Bible Passage: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are seeking external signs for guidance? How can you shift your focus to seek direct guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God?
### Day 5: Emotions and Spiritual Life
Description: Emotions are deeply connected to our physical senses and can be influenced by external circumstances. However, spiritual emotions are those that are aligned with the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word. Believers must learn to distinguish between natural emotions and spiritual emotions to live a victorious Christian life. Emotions should not dictate our actions; instead, we should be grounded in the truth of God's Word and led by the Spirit. This requires a conscious effort to align our emotions with God's truth and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life. [27:21]
Bible Passage: "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." — Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you better align your emotions with the truth of God's Word? What practical steps can you take to ensure your emotions do not dictate your actions but are instead guided by the Holy Spirit?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Dumnezeu ne-a binecuvântat să fim oameni care avem un suflet. Noi suntem ființe spirituale, toți suntem ființe spirituale. Duhul nostru. Duhul nostru spune lucrul acesta. Avem un suflet și locuim într-un trup. Toți. Fie că sunt născuți din nou sau nu. Un om care e născut din nou, Duhul lui este recreat în Hristos și este făptură nouă, este născut din Dumnezeu. Sufletul are nevoie de schimbare, de transformare, ca să putem să ne bucurăm de maturizare și de tot ce a făcut Hristos pentru noi." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Duhul Sfânt vrea să te conducă conform cu ceea ce este scris în Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu. Duhul Sfânt niciodată nu te conduce în afara Cuvântului Dumnezeu. Duhul Sfânt te conduce conform cu ceea ce este scris. De aceea e important în călăuzirea ta, care o ai cu Duhul Sfânt, să înțelegi că nu este al ghidași decât Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu. Oricine ce ar spune nu există adevăr absolut real decât ceea ce este scris în Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Un om condus de Duhul Sfânt se vede cum îl vede Dumnezeu. Chiar dacă încă n-a ajuns să se manifeste acest lucru, acest adevăr, când te lași călăuzit de Duhul lui Dumnezeu prin Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu. Și Biblia spune, îți dau exemple. Tu mergi din putere în putere. Tu ești chemat să fii biruitor. În lume, da, veți avea necazuri, dar datorită Lui Hristos, tu ești chemat să fii un biruitor." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Dumnezeu nu ne cheamă la asta. Dumnezeu ne cheamă să fim maturi, călăuziți de Duhul lui Dumnezeu. Nu m-am așteptat să ziceți a mine astfel de mesaje, dar mă bucur că ziceți a mine. Bun, ați prins. Emoțiile nu sunt întotdeauna semnul prezenței lui Dumnezeu. Emoțiile nu sunt întotdeauna semnul prezenței lui Dumnezeu. Dumnezeu este prezent pentru că este scris în cuvântul lui Dumnezeu. E că simți sau nu simți, El este prezent." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Dumnezeu nu a atenționat niciodată ca emoțiile sau sentimentele să se ghideze sau să dezvăle ce este bine sau rău. Ele se schimbă constant. Ei trebuie să fie controlate pentru că pot prelua control asupra unei persoane și o pot duce la erori și înșelăciuni grave. De aceea e foarte important să înțelegi că ideea lui Dumnezeu n-a fost niciodată să fii condus pe emoții. N-a fost niciodată." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sufletul este cel ce face ca ceea ce este din Duhul să poată să ajungă și la nivel material, la nivel fizic, la nivel trupesc. Sufletul este foarte important, este esențial. Dar aș vrea să înțelegem că suntem chemați de Dumnezeu să fim creștini conduși de Duhul. Nu de suflet. Să fim creștini conduși de Duhul. Un om născut din nou, pune Apostolul Pavel în Romani, care are Duhul lui, este născut de Duhul lui Dumnezeu și este una cu Duhul lui Dumnezeu." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Duhul tău, omul tău interior, omul tău spiritual, este una cu Duhul lui Dumnezeu și este o lucrare desăvârșită. Duhul tău spiritual, odată ce ești născut din Dumnezeu, este perfect, este desăvârșit. Sufletul însă are nevoie de asta, de desăvârșire. Dar este important să înțelegem că Dumnezeu a găsit soluția. Tu ca și creștin, ești chemat să fii duhovnicesc, adică să fii condus de Duhul. Cum este această conducere? Nu neapărat din exterior în interior, ci conducerea este din interior spre exterior." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Duhule Sfinte, avem nevoie de Tine. Duhule Sfinte, am nevoie de Tine. Apoi să mă ajut să mă îndrăgostesc de părtășia cu Cuvântul Lui Dumnezeu. Vreau tot mai mult. Aleluia. Nivelul de părtășie cu Cuvântul Tău să crească tot mai mult. În viața mea, în viața tuturor din Bisericile Rău Trezirii, în viața tuturor din familia Rău Trezirii, părtășia cu Cuvântul Tău. Aleluia. Să crească tot mai mult. Mă rog ca toți din familia Bisericilor Rău Trezirii, să nu fie creștini carnali, sufletești, ci creștini duhovnicești, călăuzi de Duhul Lui Dumnezeu prin Cuvântul Tău." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu pătrunde și separă ce este sufletesc de ce este duhovnicesc. Și ce în felul acesta pătrunde până la separare. Așa spune în original textul. Adică când Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu intervine, nu mai e dubii. Nu mai am dubii că e sufletesc. Nu mai am dubii că e o emoție care trebuie să existe acolo mai departe. Ce pur și simplu știu că nu este ok ce-am simțit. De aceea e foarte important, dragilor, să înțelegem exact ce spune Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu când vorbim despre niște lucruri așa de sensibile ca și acestea din seara aceasta." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu are pur și simplu această funcție critică. De a critica, de a îngreacă cuvântul pentru a judeca este criticos. Criticos. Din textul citit de vreo 4 cu 12. Deci, el are dreptul să critique cele mai lăuntrice intenții ale omului. Și trebuie să fie descoperite prin lumina Cuvântului Dumnezeu. Dar pentru asta trebuie să te expui la cuvânt. Învață-te să te expui la cuvânt. Să fii vulnerabil la Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu. Nu să fii îmbuvnat să spui că așa sunt eu. Nu să îmi spui că ești penicostal și că tot s-ai învățat. Că ești ortodox și că tot s-ai învățat. Și să te expui la cuvânt. Eu vreau să fiu corectat de cuvânt. Eu vreau să fiu criticat de cuvânt. Eu vreau să mă expun la Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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