“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.”
The leading of the Spirit is here contrasted to being under the law. Law is any system of rewards and punishments we adhere to. (If you do this, then you’ll get that.) That’s what law is. Being led by the Spirit eliminates the need for law.
God’s will for you isn’t contained in rules and regulations. His will is for you to be free of constraints and to be encouraged to soar into high and creative thinking. What stops us? Our incessant attempt to control our behavior is what wears us out.
The Message Bible says: “Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?”
What if you had no laws to keep? Would you use the opportunity for good or for evil? The answer lies in whether you would allow yourself to be guided by the Spirit of God.
If you wouldn’t yield to God you need to be restrained for the good of those around you. When you allow the Holy Spirit to influence your spirit with His ways and His will, you will be solid and dependable in your decision-making.
I am not under the law when I am yielded to and led by the Spirit. Oh Lord, lead me.
- Reading Plan A: 1 John 3
- Reading Plan B: Revelation 3
- Reading Plan C: Daniel 3-4; 1 John 3
by Tim Davidson
Excerpt permission granted by
Word of Faith Church & Outreach Center
Called to the Body of Christ as a pastor and teacher, Tim Davidson pioneered Word of Faith Church in Bismarck in 1980. He served as its Lead Pastor for 35 years and now serves as Founding Pastor. Pastor Tim has pioneered 6 churches in North Dakota and now serves as Regional Director for Rhema Ministerial Association International. Teaching believers foundational truths from God's Word is his passion.
He has authored 3 yearly devotion books that are used both here and overseas to help believers become "rooted and grounded" in their faith.
God is now calling Pastor Tim to share the treasury of wisdom and knowledge God has given to him with other pastors and churches.