BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
John 16:12-13 – “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
Introduction
No one is perfect from the beginning, but God's people can be transformed as they walk in His ways. Those who despise God’s Word but still claim to love Jesus are deceiving themselves. For if they cannot stay in communion with Jesus through the Spirit, how can they expect to be with Him for eternity? There are many who speak of their love for Jesus but live in contradiction to His Word. They deceive themselves, and such hypocrisy will not lead to eternal life.
1. The Importance of Following the Spirit’s Guidance
Scripture Reference:
Romans 8:14
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Many say they are followers of Christ but refuse to be led by the Holy Spirit. How can one claim to be a child of God if they reject the leading of the Spirit? If you do not surrender yourself to the Spirit now, how can you say that you desire heaven to be your home? The time to prove our faithfulness is now, as we demonstrate our submission to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
2. The Consequence of Pride and Self-Exaltation
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Many desire to sit in places of honor and boast of their relationship with God. However, when they face trials, humiliation, and persecution for the sake of Christ, will they still stand firm? Those who seek self-glory will be brought low when tested by fire. It is easy to claim to love Jesus when everything is going well, but true love for Christ is proven when we face ridicule, shame, and suffering.
3. True Love for Jesus is Tested in Trials
Scripture Reference:
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
God desires people who love Him not because of the positions they hold or the acclaim they receive from men, but because they are willing to endure hardships, endure rejection, and suffer for His name. We are called to love Jesus even when we face opposition and challenges. The test of our love for Him is found in our willingness to be humbled and refined in the fire.
4. The Danger of Worldly Addictions and Excessive Desires
Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:16
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
The world is full of temptations that lead people into excess and greed. Whether it’s addiction to substances, the hunger for wealth, or excessive emotional desires, these addictions pull people away from God. The Lord calls us to live in moderation and to remain self-controlled, for those who give in to these desires are led astray and devoured by them. This is a curse on the land, and many have made their own graves through their actions.
5. The Great Judgment Ahead
Scripture Reference: Joel 3:14
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”
There are great multitudes in the valley of decision. As the Word of God is proclaimed with boldness, many will turn to righteousness, while others will remain in their sin. The day of the Lord is near, and it is a time when people must make a choice. Will they accept the truth and embrace righteousness, or will they continue in their own ways? The time is now to decide where you stand.
6. The Joy of Bringing Souls into the Kingdom
Scripture Reference: Luke 15:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Just as there is great joy when a child is born, so too is there rejoicing in heaven when someone is born again into the Kingdom of God. The joy of bringing someone to salvation is one of the greatest joys in life. As believers, we are called to share the light of Christ, to lead others to Him, and to celebrate their new birth in Christ.
Conclusion
God desires people who will love Him in truth and humility, who will allow His Spirit to lead them, and who will endure trials and hardships for His name.
True followers of Christ do not seek the glory of this world but are willing to suffer for His name. The time is now to decide whether we will allow God’s Spirit to guide us and whether we will truly love Jesus with all our hearts. The joy of salvation and the promise of eternal life are waiting for those who will humble themselves before God and follow His leading.
