1. The Holy Spirit Leads

2. Acts 13:2-3 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off..

3. John 16:12-14 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

4. How does the Spirit speak/lead? Direct Revelation (rare). Acts 10 and 13:2 Sometimes in visions (Acts 10:20) Sometimes does not say how He spoke (Acts 8:29, Acts 13:2, 21:11) Sometimes through a prophet (Acts 21:11 Agubus warning Paul)

5. How does the Spirit speak/lead? Application of His Word. Acts 15:21-28 Understand God’s Word o 2 Timothy 3:16 o Hebrews 4:12-13 o Psalm 119:9-16 Applying God’s Word 1 Corinthians 12:8 James 1:5-7

6. Competing Voices – Flesh vs. Spirit Galatians 5:16-18 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

7. We can choose not to listen. Galatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

8. We can choose to listen. Galatians 5:22-25 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

9. How the Spirit Leads by His Word 1.Moral Imperatives – Commands to obey. 2.Life Application – Principles to Apply. I follow the Spirit’s lead whenever I act in such a way that a moral imperative is obeyed.

10. James 1:5–7 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.

11. Prerequisites for “Hearing" 1.Humility – Admit our need of guidance. 2.Motive – Desire to know & do God’s will. 3.Active Listening – Prayer, Word, Fellowship 4.Belief – Know God desires you to hear. 5.Obey – Intent to act on what you hear. Person and Work of the Holy Spirit RA Torrey Ch. 18