The bible says that we are to be led by the Spirit of God. Just because we possess spiritual gifts does not mean we are being led by Him. The gifts and calling are given without repentance. Just because we possess the Holy Spirit dance, tongue, dreams/visions, prophecy, and etc does not necessarily mean we are being led by God.
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
To be led by God is a choice. This is why many Christians can still possess spiritual gifts and live a carnal sinful life. Rather than using the gifts of God to stay in His Presence and fighting to be delivered from their sins, their eyes are on the world. When I say their eyes are on the world, it is not just about lust, greed, pride, coveting, and such. They also include unforgiveness, keeping hurt and offense, disobedience, rebellion, disrespect, and the likes.
Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Scripture here says if we let the Holy Spirit guide us then we won't be giving into our sinful nature. Since many also have a hard time discerning the Spirit, they are led by the Holy Spirit through spiritual shepherds or pastors. When the reject the authority of their spiritual pastors, they reject God.
We also have to remember what definition is to obey and follow. It is not partially obeying to pick and choose what one feels like. This is rebellion and pride. God considers us following and obeying Him when we FULLY obey in all area. Then we will be blessed.
Romans 13:1-2 Every person must obey the leaders of the land. There is no power given but from God, and all leaders are allowed by God. The person who does not obey the leaders of the land is working against what God has done. Anyone who does that will be punished.
We can possess spiritual gifts but the body wants to continue in its sinful nature. We need to make a choice to fully obey and submit. We cannot ask people to pray for us knowing that we do not want to choose to do right. We must choose to pray, forgive, humble ourselves, let hurt go, choose not to be offended, and such.
When we have fully chosen to be led by the Spirit of God no matter how long one has been a Christian, then we will bear true fruit of the spirit. We will no longer be tossed around by everything you hear. You will no longer be confused. The bible says only babies (immature) are tossed around back and forth.
Galatians 5:17-23 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Possessing spiritual gifts does not define a person to be spiritual. Just because you see someone shaking or shouting in tongue does not mean they are spiritual people. Even though we are spiritual beings, a person looking spiritual can still be living a carnal sinful life.
To be truly a spiritual person is one who walks and bears fruit of the Holy Spirit. For this is a mature grown Christian. He/she is one so has died to themselves possessing the love, patience, peace, joy, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, and self control of the Lord. They are constant. They do not have temper outburst. They can endure all people. They possess kindness and gentleness that is enduring. They are overcomers. The love of God is perfected in them. May we strive to come to the fullness of our King.
Pastor Steve
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