Led By the Wind: Living Life in the Spirit

Imagine trying to teach a puppy to walk on a leash. You have to gently guide it, just like the Spirit guides us. Sometimes the puppy gets distracted by every little thing—a butterfly here, a squirrel there. But you keep encouraging it, helping it focus. Being led by the Spirit is about recognizing His guidance amidst distractions, learning to follow His lead while we play and explore in life.

Sermon in a Sentence

To be Spirit-led is to live like the wind — carried by unseen power, grounded in unshakeable truth, and moving at the speed of God’s will. We are called to live as children of God, led by the Spirit, which shapes our identity and informs our daily choices.

The Invisible GPS

Church, we are living in a time where people have more information than ever, but less direction. We can search for anything on Google, we can ask Siri and Alexa for answers. Even AI provides us answers, but there are some roads in life where no search engine can help you — you need the Spirit of God to lead you. We just don’t need to know where to go. We need to know who to be. Because life will throw you into moments where your experience isn’t enough. Your education isn’t enough. Your bank account isn’t enough. You need guidance from above — direction that comes from the Spirit.

Now let’s be real — everyone is led by something. Some are led by fear. Others are led by feelings. Some are led by opinions. Others are led by ambition. Some are led by trauma, others by ego. Some by people-pleasing, others by past pain. But Paul says in Romans 8:14 — “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” That means if you truly belong, the evidence isn’t in your attendance — its who’s leading you...not just through the ease of abundance, but through the quagmire and questions when its dark, and you’re not sure if goodness and mercy are following you.

Context of Romans 8

Romans 8 stands as one of the most theologically rich and spiritually liberating chapters in all of Scripture. It is the crescendo of Paul’s argument for the transforming power of the Gospel, and the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. Coming on the heels of Romans 7—where Paul describes the internal conflict between flesh and spirit, law and grace—Romans 8 emerges as a declaration of freedom from the believer.

This chapter opens with the triumphant proclamation: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This sets the tone for a chapter not of guilt or shame, but of assurance, identity, and empowerment. Paul shifts from the bondage of sin to the liberty of grace, introducing the work of the Holy Spirit as the central agent of that freedom. Where the law exposed sin but could not conquer it, the Spirit enables believes to walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

As the chapter progresses, Paul distinguishes between two ways of living: life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. The mind governed by the flesh leads to death, while the mind governed by the Spirit brings life and peace (Rom. 8:6). The flesh is self-centered, limited, and untimely hostile to God, while the Spirit is God-centered, fruitful, and filled with divine purpose. This contrast becomes a theological foundation for the believer’s identity: those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God (Rom. 8:14). Here, Paul introduces the Spirit not only as guide but also as witness, affirming our adoption as sons and daughters of God (Rom. 8:15-16).

Romans 8 also embraces the tension between present suffering and future glory. Paul does not ignore hardship; rather, he places it in eschatological perspective. The Spirit not only helps us live rightly but also groans with us in times of weakness, interceding when we don’t even has the words to pray (vv. 26-27). This speaks to the intimacy and advocacy of the Spirit in our daily walk.

The chapter reaches its apex in verses 28-39, declaring that “all things work together for the good of those who love God,” that we are “more than conquerors,” and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The final section solidifies the security of the believer: what God started in the Spirit, He will bring to completion.

In summary, Romans 8 is both doctrinal and devotional. It is a chapter about the Spirit-filled life, the assurance of salvation, the power of divine adoption, and the unbreakable love of God. It shits the believer from condemnation to confidence, from struggle to sonship, and from fear to freedom. It is in this context—among these truths—that Paul writes “those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God,” according to our identity not in our performance, but in divine guidance and spiritual inheritance.

How Does this Connect to our Series?

Kingdom Currency is all about identifying the spiritual wealth and values that govern Kingdom life and our earthly money — the “currency” that holds weight in heaven, even if the world does not see it as valuable. While the world values status, possessions, and power, God’s kingdom values faith, obedience, surrender, and Spirit-led giving and living.

Being Spirit-led is a kingdom value. Just like currency represents value in an economy, being led by the Spirit represents spiritual alignment in the Kingdom of God. In the kingdom, the primary currency of direction and decision-making is the Holy Spirit. Earthy currency says: “Trust your gut.” Kingdom currency says: “Follow the Spirit.” Next, the Spirit is the currency of kingdom movement. In the natural world, money gives your access. But in the kingdom, the Spirit give your authority. The Spirit opens doors no man can shut, aligns you with assignments, and moves you into divine appointments. Here it is:

Kingdom Currency Principle (KCP):

“Earth’s currency gets you stuff. Heaven’s currency gets you strategy.”

This sermon aligns with Kingdom Currency series because it teaches that walking in the Spirit is how kingdom citizens transact with heaven. Its how we:

Navigate decisions

Respond to adversity

Move in power

Bear fruit that lasts

Being Spirit-led teaches us to spend wisely. Just like currency can be wasted in the wrong hands, life can be wasted when its not led by the Spirit. A Spirit-led life spends time, energy, purpose, and resources wisely — investing them into what produces eternal return. Galatians 6:8

Galatians 6:8 ESV

8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

The Spirit is the exchange rate between earth and heaven. In earthly systems, there’s an exchange rate between currencies. In the kingdom, the Holy Spirit is what helps us convert obedience into impact, worship into power, and prayer into results. Without the Spirit, we’re spiritual tourists — speaking kingdom language, but using the wrong currency. With the Spirit, we become citizens, ambassadors, and heirs — fully resourced and rightly guided.

Let tie all this together in a neat bow:

“In this kingdom, obedience is wealth, and surrender is success. The Spirit is our currency — our guide, our power, our confirmation, and if you’re not Spirit-led, you’re spiritually broke. But if you walk by the Spirit — you’ll never lack direction, clarity, or kingdom return.”

Identity in the Spirit

Romans 8:14 ("For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.")

Who are you? That’s a question asked but some struggle to give the right answer outside of their name? Most people spend their lives trying to “discover who they are,” and some never figure it out. People search for their “id” in people, places, and things. Some are defined by their positions and possessions. Some are identified by their trauma and wounds. Some are identified by their failures, while some are identified by their successes. When you get stopped by law enforcement, the first thing they ask your for is your license. Why? Your identification is more than a number; it is the key to unlocking your driving record. If your don’t have your license, it is possible to receive a ticket. Another example is when you need to cash a check, they ask for your id. When you buy certain items at the store, they ask for your id. When you board boat, plane, or train they ask for two forms of id. Outside of your money, your identification is the most important thing in your possession. “If you don’t know who you are, then you will be what people speak about and over you.”

Genesis 1:26–28 “26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Psalm 8:4–5 “4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Here, Paul says that being led by the Spirit identifies believers as children of God. This verse establishes the basic and fundamental assurance of identity for believers. This verse liberates us from fear and insecurity and “daddy issues,” anchoring us in the secure love and authority of our heaven Father. Being children of God speaks to the Christocentricity of being “in Christ,” or Jesus’ relationship with the Father is mirrored in our lives through the Spirit’s leading. In Jesus’ last conversation before his crucifixion, Philip makes a strange request that Jesus show them the Father, to which Jesus responds: John 14:9-12

John 14:9–12 ESV

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

Paul says being led is a sign of belonging and kingdom citizenship. The word led in the Greek — hegeomai — means to be governed, to be directed, to be carried under authority. Being Spirit-led means God doesn’t just visit — He guides. He doesn’t just touch you on Sunday —He leads your Monday through Saturday. So let me put is this way: “The same God you came to worship on Sunday, must be the same God you carry with you on Monday.” That’s identity based currency, the Spirit is proof that we don not not just carry God’s name; we follow God’s lead. Being spirit-led is not optional. It’s not emotional. It’s not situational. It’s relational. Its not just a shout —it’s a walk. Its not just a way to defeat your enemies, or walk into earthly prosperity. Being spirit-led makes sure that you are not an enemy and that your bless other because we are governed by the spirit.

“Being Spirit-led doesn’t make life easier —it makes it ordered.”

Intimacy with the Father

Romans 8:15-16 ("The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.")

Salvation brings out of the darkness and into the marvelous light, from fear to faith, and from defeat to victory. Church membership did not lead us from fear to freedom, but is through the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Paraclete that we are no longer slaves to be owned by sin. When you read Romans 7, Paul declares that through the Spirit we are “released from the law” through death to sin. As Christians we serve Christ through this “new way” of the Spirit (Rom. 7:6). This verse provides us with the only proof we need that we belong to God: if you belong to God, then you follow God. To be Spirit-led is to let the Holy Spirit direct your decisions, shape your character, and guide your movements. Through the Spirit, we are adopted children with the right to call God intimately as “Abba Father.” Adoption among Greek and Romans was permitted to adopt “sons” hence is why Paul used it in v. 14. The adopted “son” took the name of the father and was treated as if he was his natural son. There were two parts to Roman adoption: (1) there was a private arrangement between the parties, and (2) a formal public declaration of the fact. Our adoption was made possible through Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and his invitation to let him in Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Our intimacy with the Father obligates us in a positive manner—to live each day in the control and power of the Holy Spirit. You belong because God chose you...you belong because you are free in the spirit...you are God’s child and have a right to all that is in the Father’s house...You don’t have to beg, borrow, and gravel for God to move...He moves because you are his child...

Intimacy with the Father requires more than the occasional meet and greet on Sundays. Intimacy is being transparent with Christ and accepting your place in the family. Intimacy is knowing both bad and good and choosing to still adopt you. Where most people passed on you, Jesus gave up everything to adopt you. Being Spirit-led confirms our identity, invites the Holy Spirit to abide with us, preventing us from walking in the flesh and aligns us with the will of God. In his final discourse, Jesus instructs his disciples to “abide” or tabernacle in him (John 15:4-11). Intimacy is a reciprocal event; the disciples were to abide in him, thus allowing him to abide in them. Jesus would not physically abide, but it would be the Holy Spirit.

“If the Holy Spirit does not abide in you, then you are not spirit led and not connected with God the father who lives above you.”

In the Old Testament, God did not breathe pnuema (spirit) into the shell of man. His breath hay (חַי 1) or the state of animated life, which of course is the contrast of death. In the beginning God dwelt with man in fellowship until his fall and subsequent expulsion from Eden. For the rest of the Old Testament, God put his spirt on those who had special assignments: prophets, priests, and kings. When their assignment was completed, or in Saul’s case disobedience disqualified him, the spirit left them, Yet, Ezekiel prophesied long before Christ came about the “new spirit” that he would pour into man. Ezekiel 36:26–27 “26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” The word here is ruah (רוּחַ), meaning wind, breath, spirit....

The book of the Acts of the Apostles opens with Christ telling the remaining disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the power. They were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)...Paul declares that our bodies are temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 6:19)....In Revelation 21:3-7, John reveals that God will dwell with man again like He did in the beginning....God began with us....Then in us....God ends like he began, with us...

Real intimacy creates a connection with Christ and create a different sensitivity to the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It leads to submission in prayer. Prayer is not about getting your way. Its about yielding to His. Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Intimacy brings stillness in discernment not just about others, but yourself as well. Isaiah 30:21 “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” You can’t hear God whisper if you’re addicted to noise. Stillness makes space for direction. Lastly, it creates moments of surrender in decisions. Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Every decision is an invitation to either follow self — or follow Spirit.

Inheritance as Heirs

Romans 8:17 ("Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.")

After the abiding and adoption, there is a future hope and responsibilities as God’s heirs. Our position as children of God solidifies two position that are not up for debate: (1) heirs of God, and (2) joint-heirs with Christ. The term kleronomos (κληρονόμος), meaning beneficiary, designated holder. The word joint-heirs is synkkleronomos (συγκληρονόμος), meaning inheriting together. Most families during times of death often fall out behind the estate they did not build, but their fore parents did. Some parents leave their last will and testament, indicating how their assets should be allocated after their death. Some leave happy, others leave angry, and some leave empty handed. In human wills, some people always feel they should have gotten more, and that creates division in family.

Paul drops a kingdom truth bomb here: if we are truly children of God, then we are also heirs of God. Not second-hand recipients. Not spiritual stepchildren. Heirs. That means what belongs to the Father is legally destined for the sons and daughters. When we look at the son who asked for his inheritance and we chide him, but because he was an heir like the older son, he had a right to ask for his inheritance. He provides us with a picture of knowing who your father is and what your father has for you. Yes, he wasted his inheritance in the far country, yet he had the faith to ask for it.

But watch this — we are not just heirs of God’s stuff...we are heirs of God himself. We don’t just get the riches — we get the relationship. We just don’t inherit blessings — we inherit belonging. And then Paul says something radical: we are joint heirs with Christ. In other words, we share in what Jesus earned. He bore the cross — we receive the crown. He carried the burden — we walk in the blessing. That’s not just favor — that’s family. You don’t work for it — you were born into it. An inheritance isn’t earned — it’s received because of who you are, not what your do. You don’t have to hustle to be blessed — you just have to belong. And if you’ve been born again, you’ve got access to an eternal trust fund. “You may not feel rich, but you’re royal. You may not have it all in the bank, but you’ve got everything in the Spirit.

The inheritance comes with intimacy. The greatest part of your inheritance is not the stuff of God, it’s the Spirit of God. Romans 8:16

Romans 8:16 ESV

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

That’s your receipt. That’s your acces. That’s your proof. God didn’t just save you — He sealed with with his Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

Ephesians 1:13 ESV

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Suffering doesn’t cancel the inheritance — it confirms it. Paul says “provided we suffer with Him...” Why? Because suffering doesn’t mean you’re disqualified — it means you’re being refined for royalty. Suffering doesn’t erase your inheritance — it elevates your awareness of it. Just like Jesus, the cross comes before the crown. Think of it this way: some inheritance aren’t released until a certain season or age. You might be suffering now — but that doesn’t mean your inheritance is lost. It just means the Father is maturing you so you can handle it. You must declare:

You are not broke — you are backed by the kingdom of God.

You are not forgotten — you are family.

You are not just walking by faith — you are walking in favor.

Because you are not just a believer — you are an heir.

The Will, the Wind, and the Witness

I heard a story once...

A wealthy farmer had three sons. When the father grew older, he drew up a will — not just a will of money, but of mission. He didn’t want his sons to just live off his wealth — he wanted them to live out his purpose. When the father died, the attorney gathered the sons for the reading of the will. The estate was massive — land, stocks, businesses, legacy. But the inheritance came with one condition: the father had written, “The one who is led by my chosen guide will receive the full inheritance. My guide knows my heart, my plans, and the paths I’ve prepared.”

The first son said, “I don’t need a guide. I’m smart enough to figure this out myself.” The second son said, “I’ll take the money now. I don’t care about the guide or the mission.” But the third son said, “If that guide knew my father...I want to follow him wherever he leads.”

So the third son journeyed with the guide — through valleys and mountains, through quiet seasons and storms. The path didn’t always make sense. The steps weren’t always easy. But every place the guide took hin...there were provisions already waiting. Years later, the guide led him to a gate — and behind it was everything his father had promised. The full inheritance. The blessing. The legacy. Taped to the gate was a letter from his father that read:

“Well done, son. You trusted the one I sent. Because you were led by my guide — you’ve proven you’re truly mine.”

Church, the Holy Spirit is the guide of the Father’s will. He knows the Father’s heart. He knows the kingdom’s path. And he is leading us — not just blessings, but to becoming. You can’t receive the inheritance if you reject the guidance. But if you follow the Spirit — even when the road doesn’t make sense — you’ll find yourself walking into everything the Father promised you.

So I dare you — let the Spirit lead...Not just on Sunday, but every day...not just when its east, but even when it’s uncertain… because your inheritance is on the other side of your obedience.