As Many as Are Led by the Spirit of God
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit as our guide and leader in the Christian life, urging believers to listen and respond to His voice.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit as our Guide and Leader, who directs us in prayer, service, and new experiences while also providing rest and deeper understanding in our spiritual journey. He highlights the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, which can sometimes push us forward and at other times call us to pause and reflect. Simpson asserts that denying the personal guidance of the Holy Spirit undermines the promise that God's children will hear His voice and be led in the right path. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as our Counselor and Friend, essential for navigating the complexities of faith and life.
Text
The blessed Holy Spirit is our Guide, our Leader and our Resting-place. There are times when He presses us forward into prayer, into service, into suffering, into new experiences, new duties, new claims of faith and hope and love. Then there are times when He arrests us in our activity and rests us in the secret place of the Most High. He teaches us some new lessons, breathing into us some deeper strength or fullness and then leading us on again, at His bidding alone. The Holy Spirit is the true Guide of the saint, and the true Leader of the Church.
He is our wonderful Counselor, our unerring Friend.
He who would deny the personal guidance of the Holy Spirit in order that he might honor the Word of God as our only guide must dishonor that other word of promise, that His sheep shall know His voice, and that His listening and obedient children shall hear a voice behind them saying, this is the way, walk ye in it (Isaiah 30:20).
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Role of the Holy Spirit as Guide - The Importance of Listening to His Voice - The Personal Nature of His Guidance
- II points: - The Holy Spirit's Call to Prayer and Service - Experiencing New Duties and Claims of Faith - The Balance of Activity and Rest
- III points: - Learning New Lessons through the Spirit - Receiving Strength and Fullness - Following His Leading in Daily Life
- IV points: - The Holy Spirit as Counselor and Friend - The Assurance of His Guidance - The Promise of Knowing His Voice
Key Quotes
“The blessed Holy Spirit is our Guide, our Leader and our Resting-place.” — A.B. Simpson
“His sheep shall know His voice, and that His listening and obedient children shall hear a voice behind them saying, this is the way, walk ye in it.” — A.B. Simpson
“He is our wonderful Counselor, our unerring Friend.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions and activities.
- Take time to rest in the presence of the Holy Spirit to recharge your spirit.
- Be open to new experiences and challenges that the Holy Spirit may lead you into.