For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Truth to Learn
The Spirit of God is our “life coach” and guide.
Behind the Words
The word translated “led” is agō, which means “to lead” or “to bring.” This is expressed here in the present tense and indicative mood. This can mean a single, one-time action in the present, but more often it refers to current, continual action. This is the sense in which it is used here. It is also expressed here in the passive voice indicating action that is being done to someone.
Meaning Explained
In chapter eight Paul talked about how a person who tries to obtain righteousness by obeying laws and rules will never achieve his or her objective. This is because the law actually causes us to sin. He then went on to proclaim his own frustration with the fact that even though he wants to do what is right all the time, he doesn’t always do it. He even proclaimed:
For the good that I determine to do, I do not do; but the evil I determine to not do, that I continually do. (Romans 7:19)
This tendency in all mankind is the result of our sin nature. Paul starts off the current chapter with the proclamation, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus,” And, in verse four, he describes a characteristic of those who are in Christ Jesus: “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” We who have been saved by the grace of God have been declared as righteous in God’s record book, so we are free from the penalty of our sin. We also have been given the Holy Spirit of God as our guarantee and as our guide. If we are saved, then we should be walking “according to the Spirit.”
In the current verse Paul says something very similar: “For as many (of us) as are being continually led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” We see, then, that this is another characteristic of a true child of God. If you are a son (or daughter) of God, then you are continually, every day, in the present, being led by His Spirit. The picture is of a guide who is leading the way through a wilderness, showing the proper paths to take so that the follower won’t get lost.
Note, though, that it is difficult to lead someone who won’t follow. And, it is difficult to follow someone with whom you have very little communication. In fact, the closer the relationship you have to the guide, the easier it is for the guide to direct you and the easier it is for you to hear and trust the advice of the guide. Sometimes the choices of paths are obvious and sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes, what appears to be the obvious path is not the way to go at all. That’s why we need a guide.
Application
We have a Guide who knows all, and He wants to lead us in the paths that will bring Him the most glory and praise.
Are you willing to follow your Guide? Do you talk to your Guide? Do you listen to Him and obey Him when He talks to you?
Are you daily being led by the Holy Spirit of God?
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved
