Promised Long Ago: Living a Spirit-Led Life
This week, we continued our journey exploring what it means to live life beyond the naked eye—to live by faith, led and filled by the Holy Spirit. Bill reminded us that everything God has planned for our lives, every purpose and calling, can only be fulfilled through the work of the Holy Spirit within us.
From the Old Testament to today, we see that the Spirit’s presence has always been part of God’s plan. Prophets like Joel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah spoke of a coming time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people—not just a chosen few. That time has come. The promise long ago is now our present reality.
Joel 2:28-29 – “I will pour out my Spirit on all people…”
Ezekiel 36:26-27 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…”
The purpose of this outpouring is transformation. The Spirit softens hard hearts, renews our minds, and gives us the strength to follow God’s ways—not out of duty, but out of desire.
Bill reminded us that Jesus Himself was completely led by the Spirit in everything He did—born of the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit, and guided by the Spirit. He is our model for what a Spirit-filled life looks like.
When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we become instruments of God’s grace—vessels through which His Kingdom comes to earth. To the world, this kind of faith may seem foolish, but in God’s eyes, it’s the most powerful way to live.
Paul challenges us in Galatians 3 to remember that our faith journey isn’t about rules or rituals—it’s about relationship. It’s not about earning, it’s about believing and receiving. God’s grace works in those who are open to the Spirit’s leading.
The Holy Spirit brings freedom, guidance, and power. He teaches us to discern His voice, to choose His desires over our own, and to walk in step with Him daily.
Romans 8:5 – “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
May we be a church that not only talks about the Spirit, but lives in the fullness of His presence—people who are born of the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and led by the Spirit.
