Romans 8- Being Led of the Spirit

1. Romans 8- Being Led of the Spirit Dr. Kenneth Jones Practical Living Ministry

2. Scripture Romans 8:12-17: So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.14For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

3. Disclaimer • There is no exact Science regarding being led of the Spirit – it is founded in faith • Results May Vary

4. Being Led of the Spirit • Begins With a Spirit Mindset • New life in Christ renews human cognitive functioning. • Spiritual transformation begins with the renewal of the mind • Christians are encouraged to cultivate the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16; Phil 2:5)

5. Sensitivity Through Discipline • Spiritual Disciplines play an important role in renewing human functioning. • Spiritual disciplines are the activities of the spirit, mind and body that train the life in wholeness and holiness. • Transformation of the Intellect is facilitated by the disciplines of study and meditation. • Study of the Scriptures and biblical principles fill the mind with the truth that makes new and sets free.

6. Sensitivity Through Discipline • Meditation of the Bible, spiritual writingsaugment wisdom and understanding • Submission and prayer are spiritual disciplines that retrain the will in a godly direction

7. Ways to Increase Sensitivity to the Spirit of God • Prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29) • Meditating in the Word (Joshua 1:8-10) • Praying in the Spirit (or tongues) daily (Jude 1:19,20; 1st Corinthians 14:4) • Reading and Speaking the Scriptures personally, aloud (Ephesians 5:18,19) • Daily purging, dying, and denial of self (Romans 12:1,2) • Ministering in His presence in stillness or in praise and thanksgiving (Acts 13:2)

8. Ways to Increase Sensitivity to the Spirit of God (Cont’d) • Humility and brokenness • Watching your mouth gate and heart gate • Trust and confidence in God’s ability… not your own! • And also, having faith that God will lead you accurately in all things (Psalms 37:23)

9. Spirit Filled Living Ephesians 5:17-20: Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; • When we are filled with the Spirit, we will have a desire to worship God, and to encourage others in their worship of God.

10. Being Led By the Spirit • The Lamp of the Lord — God guides us through our spirit, not our physical senses or our mentality • Effects of the Spirit’s Indwelling — For those who have been born again, the conscience is a safe guide. • Effects of the Spirit’s Indwelling — For those who have been born again, the conscience is a safe guide.

11. 5 P’s Path & Purpose Peace Prophecy Peace Principles Point of Decision

12. 5 P’s • Prophecy – God speaking directly to you • People God has appointed over you • Principles – Biblical Principles from the Word of God • Path/Purpose – God’s directing and approving your steps • Peace – Surpassing all understanding

13. Live Habitually in the Spirit • Does not mean that you are in some kind of “spiritual trance” 24/7. • Awareness that you are a spiritual being as part of your nature • No Spiritual Growth, No spiritual walk

14. Understanding the Leading • When praying or worshipping, you feel compelled to do something • A person or place may come to your heart or in a vision (dream) with a strong prompting to call or visit that person or place (Acts 16:9) • Sometimes you may desire to do or go to a place, but your inner spirit keep hearing “no” (Acts 16:6) • Someone from the five-fold ministry may confirm what you have been sensing in your spirit

15. Cont’d • Evaluate the Spirit’s leading according to scriptures or consult a reliable peer or ministry (Multitude of Counselors) • Don't expect the full details at first –leading is a matter of faith • Try the Spirits: • There's an issue of God's leading and timing.

16. What is Not the Leading? • Making decisions in the midst of frustration, rebellion, or anger with someone or something • Finding a scripture to justify an action that you know God has not prompted or impressed upon you to do • Remember emotions make good companions but lousy leaders

17. Scripture Romans 8:15,16: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

18. Welcome to the Family • The Spirit bears witness in our spirit that we are the children of God, heirs of salvation, and joint heirs with Christ • The leading of the Spirit is relational. You must be connected in order to feel the current • Colossians 3:3 - For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.