Direction From the Holy Spirit
To live a life of clarity and purpose, we must surrender to the reign and rulership of the Holy Spirit.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of surrendering to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives, asserting that true clarity and purpose come from walking in the Spirit. He illustrates how early Christians, like Peter, were directed by the Holy Spirit in their decisions, leading to a life free from confusion. Wilkerson highlights the practical benefits of this guidance, including direction in daily matters and the power to confront evil. He encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's presence, which reveals the deep truths of God and fosters a relationship where direction flows naturally. Ultimately, he calls for a heart set on seeking God, promising that through praise and trust, deliverance will follow.
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God's purpose for his children is that we surrender to the reign and rulership of the Holy Spirit: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). In other words, "If he lives in you, let him direct you!"
The early Christians did not walk in confusion, because they were led by the Spirit. They consulted the Holy Spirit and he directed them. Walking in the Spirit means clarity of purpose and unclouded decision-making.
We see many examples of being led by the Spirit in the New Testament. A good example is Peter: "While [he] thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him ..." (Acts10:19). In another place, we read, "The Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing" (11:12). The Holy Spirit gave direction and Peter listened.
There are many benefits of walking in the Holy Spirit. One benefit to those who ask: he will give you direction, warnings or whatever you need. "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Jesus is not talking merely about prophecy and future events here, he is talking about your life. The Holy Spirit will lead you in very practical matters of your daily living.
Walking in the Spirit also means never being overcome by demonic powers, even though Satan will try to intimidate you. Paul fought such harassment by the power of the Spirit: "Then Paul ... filled with the Holy Spirit" confronted the evil spirit and brought down all the powers of darkness (see Acts 13:9-11). There comes a time when you have to stand up in the power of the Holy Spirit and say, "Enough! I command you in the name of Jesus to go!"
But the highest form of walking in the Spirit is letting him teach you the deep, hidden things of God. Stand still in his presence and let the Holy Spirit show you the very heart of the Lord. When you do this, direction will come and you won't even have to ask.
Set your heart to seek him today and you will learn to know his voice. Start praising, singing, trusting God -- and he will take care of your deliverance.
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Purpose for His Children
- A. Surrender to the reign and rulership of the Holy Spirit
- B. Live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit
- II. The Early Christians' Example
- A. Led by the Spirit, they had clarity of purpose and unclouded decision-making
- III. Examples of Being Led by the Spirit
- A. Peter's experiences in Acts 10 and 11
- IV. Benefits of Walking in the Holy Spirit
- A. Direction, warnings, and guidance in daily living
- B. Protection from demonic powers
- C. Teaching and revelation of the deep, hidden things of God
Key Quotes
“If he lives in you, let him direct you!” — David Wilkerson
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” — David Wilkerson
“Then Paul ... filled with the Holy Spirit” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Set your heart to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and direction in your daily life.
- Stand up against demonic powers in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Seek to know the Holy Spirit's voice and learn to follow his guidance.