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176: The Holy Spirit’s Guidance
We are continuing our series on the topic of the Holy Spirit. In today's episode we will discover a Biblical Theology of the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Ezekiel 36:27, GOD putting HIS SPIRIT in us for maturity. We need The HOLY SPIRIT for change inside and out. Without The HOLY SPIRIT it is just a temporary and external change (a performance). That is not sustainable. We don’t have the ability without The HOLY SPIRIT. Romans 8:9, The SPIRIT Must Dwell in us to be born again. The Power of The HOLY SPIRIT in us allows us to receive guidance. John 16:13-14, we find that it is The SPIRIT of TRUTH that guides. HE also glorifies JESUS and declares what is HIS to us. That is so Awesome! JESUS is the TRUTH that we must always take people too. The HOLY SPIRIT sets us apart from the world and leads/guides us to TRUTH (JESUS). Christians need to know that they are never alone in any situation or circumstance. The HOLY SPIRIT Dwells In us. That is how we are transformed. The HOLY SPIRIT leading us to JESUS.
Yes the Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth. When I was first saved I used to say there is only one Holy Spirit so why is everyone disagreeing on so many things. This was before I knew there were esstential and non essential doctrines. I was going to a pentecostal church for first few years that I was saved , I believe the Holy Spirit guided me out of it because they were hyper focused on tongues and healings and prophecy .
I understand what you mean. It must be ALL The TRUTH.
When you talked about a list of steps for people to follow, even a list of good steps, I immediately thought of our first book we read. How to Counsel God’s Way. He mentions how so many people are simply looking for a quick fix to get rid of the pain, but not necessarily deal with the issues that will just keep coming back. We know, and you talked about it here, that it’s the Holy Spirit that has to bring lasting transformative change. The Pharisees knew the Word of their time backward and forward, but they did not have the Holy Spirit to help them understand God’s redemptive purpose and so they became legalistic. People of our time really just want the quick fix. They want the sixty second video that will make it feel good and might think about dealing with the wider issues later.
It’s why we learned that in counseling, God’s plan may not be to lead people to a simple solution that feels good, because He wants to “lead us into all truth” and truth sometimes hurts when we have to deal with our sin, struggles, and flesh. Though what I really love about John 16:13 is that I see it as a way to speak to a counselee about why they are even seeking counsel. It’s because the Spirit is leading them into all truth as He promised. I could see that being a light bulb moment for many. I know it certainly is for me as I think about it and things I may go through as the Holy Spirit is transforming me into the image of Jesus.
It is easy to ask a therapist or secular counselor for a set of strategies and tools, that may work for a moment but what about the next time around something else takes place. Different situations call for different strategies when going to a secular counselor. When going straight to God and someone whom is a Biblical counselor, that person is going to get the best gifts given! No strategies, no list of breathing techniques, no tools!
Only the Word of God. I love how Pastor Jeff explained that the gifts that are given through God are so rich! Peace and hope, protection from fear, forgiveness of sin. Joy over depression. Grace over guilt, and so much more. God provides all of this to the believer.
“No strategies, no list of breathing techniques, no tools!”
I’ve been talking with my daughter (who is 11) recently about issues she is going through and when I ask her why she doesn’t come to us for help she often says that she just thought she could deal with it on her own, or fix it on her own. That’s what this list reminded me of. So many people are really just looking for things that allow them to only rely on themselves and not have to trust other people (perhaps a Biblical Counselor) or certainly not God (because then they have to admit accountability). We have such a self focused, temporary society right now. What can I do right now to just fix my problem, they ask. But I think it’s amazing that God put His very own Spirit inside of us so that we are never alone. I often think so much depression and loneliness would be helped with this simple revelation in many believer’s lives (including my own when I forget and feel alone). That by itself is such a wonderful gift. It’s not just some random spirit or thought machine, it’s the Holy Spirit Himself living in us and leading us.
Great message, Pastor Jeff. The world points to human-led strategies and theories but Holy Spirit testifies to Jesus. People seeking counsel need Jesus whether they know it initially or not. As Biblical Counselors we can be confident that Holy Spirit WANTS to counsel the life of Christ to them. And why shouldn’t He, and we do so – after all, in Him are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!
Right on Laura! This is so true. The world gives human lead strategies but God gives freedom and peace from the Cross. Releasing those held in bondage, pain, etc
I love finding the true treasures that God has laid out in His Word.
It is so true that we as people love procedures and 12 steps programs, etc. I have been through several myself to get freedom from whatever I’m battling at the time (I did a lot of weight loss programs.) But as Jeff said it is usually an act of the flesh, will power, rather than a yielding or submitting to the Holy Spirit for guidance and the power to overcome. Relying on the Holy Spirit to show us what the root of matter is that is causing the problem is what is needed. I believe we must come to the end of ourselves, our flesh, will power. Some of us are very strong willed. Guiding the counselee to discover the root of the problem can give way to discovering the FREELY given things that God has for us to tap into the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for forgiveness, salvation, grace, freedom from anxiety, protection, self-control, finances, spiritual gifts, etc.
Amen Lorna, I am in agreement with you. The only one that can and will minister to every single part of someone’s pain, hurt, etc is the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is the only one that will go to those deepest places within that no man can get to.
The Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives is one of the most valuable aspects of our relationship with God, aside from our salvation. There has not been a single time in my life that I have regretted following the Spirit’s guidance. He has led me to Himself. He has led me to my friends. And he has led me to my church family, where I have received love, respect, encouragement, and challenging.
When I was questioning the decision I had made to begin attending and serving at my home church, I will never forget the reassurance and encouragement that the Spirit gave me through my Dad. My Dad simply said “I’m proud of you for listening to God’s voice, and heeding His calling.” I alway new that he was proud of me, and I’m sure I had heard him say it verbally before this moment. But, this was one of the most memorable times, cause it had to do with my faith. I was (and am) trusting God’s guidance, and he recognized and commended me for it.
I like to remind my counselees that the same Spirit that gave Jesus power here on earth is the same Spirit that indwells us when we give our hearts to Christ. I then encourage them to read Luke 3:22, “and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.” and Luke 4:1, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,”. Jesus faced the temptations of Satan filled with the Spirit. That power indwells us and our counselee’s as we help them to change as they face trials and temptations here on earth. Zechariah 4:6, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
AMEN & AMEN!!! I often use this scripture to ask people do they believe that GOD is the same Always. Of course, the answer is yes. Then I can ask them to apply it to themselves. To many it is a reminder of The GOD that we serve. The GOD of The Universe.
Just thinking about what the Jews may have pictured at that time hearing that they themselves were temples of the Holy Spirit. I think back to Moses and how the glory of the Lord, in many cases what was described to look like a cloud or smoke covering the holy of holies at the tabernacle. Or maybe they thought more majestic and covered in pure gold as that of Solomon’s temple?
Also thinking about the free gifts – how desperately does God want us to access His free gifts? This is a hard thought. The wealth of His glories given to us by knowledge of Him, and do I even care? I suppose I fail to acknowledge God in this way. Thank you, Jeff, for the convicting message; I will be pondering my own heart in light of God’s riches.
Amen Jeff! So many times I have tried make changes in my life under my own power. Putting in much effort, just to have the change be temporary. Once I gave my life fully to Christ and being filled with the power of The Holy Spirit, these changes were freely given permanently. Thank God for the gift of The Holy Spirit!
I like your comment, Mike, “These changes were freely given permanently.” I am just thinking of my own salvation. It is permanently sealed with the Holy Spirit – and changes did happen very quickly in my own life. There is nothing in this world that could ever do what God alone has done.
Jeff, I have struggled with this in my lifetime also – trying to do things in my own strength. In those times I wrongly believed that behavior modification was possible or that it would be permanent. Thank God for the transformation of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
I think what you said about the flesh loving step programmes is true and this is a very real challenge. Because there’s a balance between our bringing a bit of human structure to sessions with those counseled but constantly acknowledged that change is a work of the Holy Spirit because it is a heart matter. The temptation to rely on flesh is equally there for the counselor and counselled.
I really agree that without the Holy Spirit we wouldn’t even know who or what we are in Christ. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is crucial for revealing heart issues because we are so unaware.
Yep behaviour modification works but it’s all about externals.
I agree Ann. It is very hard for me to live without the “rules” because I realized “I want to do it right and not mess up and not have to face consequences and” so on and so forth down a spiral; haha. Our God is a God of order, so there must be some structure, but I love how God’s grace is there when I fail; and I forget to rely on His grace rather than my own “I can follow the rules” strength.
Wow what a powerful truth
It’s not about steps or principles to doing the right thing but Spirit causing us to do what is right.
“Permanent Change can’t happened from modification behavior.”
So important for us to remember as counselors that in the same way those who are getting counseled need the Indwelling Holy Spirit so to we need to rely upon the Indwelling of Holy Spirit to counsel them. Because JESUS is the actual counselor we are just directing people to Him. And there is no other way for people to be directed to Jesus than by the Holy Spirit.
Hi Landon. I had the same thought. As Biblical counsellors we also have to resist the temptation to rely on our flesh when counselling.
Exactly its crazy how much of a temptation it is to rely on flesh and then you feel insufficient. But what a key to remember daily that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit .
God bless you Ann-Louise
When we were reconciled to God through that very same love that caused Christ to die, this is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us daily.
1 Corinthians 2:13 says, These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
The Holy Spirit then guides us as we walk in the Spirit to wisdom as we learn to hear and study this truth in God’s word. The Spirit guides and corrects, changing us from within, doing so with love and grace in unity with the body of Christ. I’ve seen a difference in how I learn and approach areas in my life as I am continually growing in Christ by listening to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
I am enjoying these podcasts.
I appreciated the repetition of the truth (Romans 8:9) of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit and what that means to us. It is a truth we all need to soak in throughout the day. It is one the Lord has been reminding me of daily. When I feel overwhelmed by life, wearied by events, concerned over situations, anxious about choices, frustrated by ongoing challenges, or anything else which is not a fruit of His Spirit I hear the Lord reminding me He never called me to have the answers. He calls me to be still and KNOW that He is God (Psalm 46).
He sent His Spirit to dwell in me and there is no other counselor or counsel that comes close to Him. He provides for us everything we need to live a Godly life.
I Corinthians 2:9-10 “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ – but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.”
Wow, so accurate isn’t it amazing how when we feel overwhelmed, we can feel his reminder of who we are in Christ? Knowing he has everything under control. When I reflect on my own life, I see why and how the Spirit has guided me through many areas of life. The more we are in tune with God’s word of truth, the more he reveals through his Spirit.
Kristen, it truly is amazing to wake up every day knowing that the evidence of our being Born Again is within us, the presence and person of the Holy Spirit! I’m learning day by day and year by year to lean into Him and listen more and more.
With such indwelling power in the life of the believer it breaks my heart to talk with people who won’t acknowledge the active work of God through the Holy Spirit and keep coming back to solely wanting a roadmap and timeline for change. God’s word definitely lights the path before us, but I agree to approach working with people assuming we have all the answers and a schedule of how things should progress assumes an understanding of the heart that i believe only God can have access to. Any thoughts on ways to encourage people to trust God with the scary reality of Him asking us to trust Him just one step at a time in His time?
Nathan, I agree with you about the challenge of counseling people who want the rules to be the answer and they don’t understand it is the relationship. In the past I have known the destruction which happens when my heart wanted to obey the Lord and I purposed to, but without inviting and following the Holy Spirit. It only works for so long and then not only do we fail, but our enemy takes full advantage of the moment and accuses. It can be a vicious cycle until we confess, repent, surrender and obey. Zechariah 4:1 “…It is not by might nor power, but by my Spirit,”
Hi Nathan great question. Personally I believe we only really begin to trust God when we come to the end of ourselves and that generally comes in the form of a situation or relationship that we have no power to change. Until then we – or myself at least – fight to stay “in control ” . The funny thing is when I surrender I’ve watched the Lord work. And do things that only he can do . So I think one way is to constantly remind ourselves of his faithfulness in the past. Because He remains the same. But for many trust is a process.
Yes, staying in control is a big hindrance to trusting the Holy Spirit in any situation. Or there is running away to a diversion, hoping it has gone away or resolved itself. Fight or Flight, neither are the answer. It is facing it with the Holy Spirit and trusting He will walk through it with us to completion. I think too sometimes we don’t trust ourselves to be able to stick with what the Spirit is leading us to do.
I agree Nathan it can be heart breaking and frustrating when people try to do it themselves and don’t rely on the Spirit. For many people that reality of trusting God only comes with time, experience and Christian maturity.
So far in my walk with Christ I have found the best way to encourage people is by doing it ourselves faithfully one step at a time. It is easier to jump into a cold pool after someone else has.
Totally Mike!
I think of what James said. James 1:23 (NKJV)
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
So important to be doer’s of the word
This was a full meal on the workings of the Holy Spirit. We do tend to forget that we have an in-exhaustible resource in the Lord! When we do start the day overwhelmed, that’s looking at it from our own LIMITED resource, mainly physical which is restrained by time, energy, and motivation. That right there can present our testimony of how limited or how joyless it is to serve the Lord in all we do. Pastor Jeff called it being a spiritual pauper.
Touching on the point of things given freely to us by the Lord such as grace, the paid debt we owed by Christ, our very breath as we talked about before. I don’t know that we stop and think about God’s provision of our jobs, homes, children, friends, forgiveness…all are opportunities for the light of Christ to shine in the dark world. The Holy Spirit lives within us. That is God with us. Jesus said He is leaving but He is sending another. That is the Holy Spirit. We are a temple for the Holy Spirit. Good word!
amen Anita we were just studying Romans 3:24 “being justified freely by His grace though the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” The Spirit definitely glorifies Jesus
Anita, it is definitely a daily struggle for me to rest in the Lords strength instead of my own. Which is so silly when you stop and think about it, because His strength is never ending. I find that it helps me to start out my day in thanksgiving of His provisions, the gift of the Holy Spirit and this usually will keep me leaning into Him all day. Gods grace is amazing