How do you know if a believer is led by the Spirit?

I think you'd have to know that person really well to even have a clue. It's sorta' like knowing for sure if someone else is born again, don't you think?

 

It seems pretty simple to me: Are their choices biblical choices?? Gal 5 seems to make the point as clearly as any.

 

If you feel led by the Spirit to do something, you'll also be able to find biblical support for your walk. I know it's more than that, but that's at least a start.

 

Fruit search.

 

Personally, unless it is clearly contradicted by Bible, I'm hands off. I have NO business getting in between someone else and the Lord. However, there are quite a few times when the 'led by the Lord' or similar excuses are self-deception and rather easily discerned because the violate biblical directives so entirely. At those times, what I do is try to show where the problem with their 'leading' seems to be biblically.

Then, it's hands off again, unless one of my children or something where I am involved is concerned.

 

Is there a scripture that addresses this?

Saying "I was led by the Spirit" or "God told me to do this"

It seems that somewhere I read that we should be careful in saying this, but I can't find it.

Maybe it isn't there...such as "the Lord helps those who help themselves." For years I thought this was in the Bible until I realized that we must turn ALL our cares over to the Lord.

Anyone know of a scripture?

 

Are they fruitful? ...and allowing for a wide range of possibilities, are they persecuted?

 

The bible says test the spirits to see if they are from God,i dont believe the saying God helps those who helps themself,if we could help ourselfs there would be no need for God (butterfly)

 

Do you know the scripture reference?

 

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Neither of these seem to support the "I'm led by the Spirit" thing being discussed here. Suffice to say, we walk in the Spirit, and we know when something is not right. We then choose to either continue with it, or we listen and heed.

As for the other request:

1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

 

hi,i believe its 1john 4:1 (butterflt

 

"How do you know if a believer is led by the Spirit?" A person can only guess...only God can know.

Could the person who thought they were acting on being Spirit lead be held blameless...in God's eyes? I believe that if, by any action or word spoken another person's spirit is quenched, or they are hurt in any way...you can pretty much count on it not being the result of being led by the Holy Spirit. I think the fruit of a Godly action is a Godly outcome.

 

Romans 8:12-16 says this:

This scripture seems mean something different than you intended in the thread.

[ December 13, 2002, 08:05 PM: Message edited by: WisdomSeeker ]

 

We can only be led in what we know for sure...God gives us His clear will in His word on many(really everything pertaining to godliness) things...we need to be obedient in those things first,the things we are sure of. Our hearts are deceitful and we can not base anything on a feeling....I do not like the phrase,"I feel a peace about this",mainly because when the Bible speaks of peace it is talking about relationship with God or man....not an inner spritual *feeling* to condone a choice or behavior. I also do not like the saying God will lead by opening and closing doors,nope...because we can so easily misinterpret what those *open and closed doors* mean or don't mean,it is all subjective. Some women might say God wants me to be happy,so it is His will that I divorce my husband.....wrong!(I'm just using that as an example,it is not meant to be taken personally ) God wants us to live by His word,not by feelings.

So,I said all that to say,yes,God leads those who are true believers,but only through His word,which the Spirit of God uses to show us Truth and He gives us strength to follow what we can be sure of. It is called obedience!

I know Jay Adams has a good book on God's guidance,I haven't read it,but have had it recommended to me. From what I was told,it shows the absurdity of people saying they are led by God through a mystical feeling based unveriafiable means,that is totally oblivious to scriptural Truth. John Mac has one,too. I can't think right now what the titles are.

 

If we are following God's Will through reading the scriptures, doesn't it "feel" good?

Just a thought!

My mother always said that when in doubt, "don't"
This has seemed to work for me. When I have that nagging feeling about something, then I question it.

I have followed my feelings. When I pray, read my Bible, and feel good about something, then I know in my heart that it is the correct thing for me to do.

I know by reading many of your posts that most of you do not agree with me and I don't want to start a debate on this. It has worked for me

Maybe we are interpreting "feelings" differently

 

Sometimes,obeying God does not "feel" good,but it is right.

 

Maybe an example would be good here.

Would it be like this?

I don't like to speak in public. If I felt that God wanted me to, then that would not feel good, but stressful for me. Is that what you mean?