The Spirit Leads

Hebrews 4:15 NIV

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Hebrews 2:17–18 NIV

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Make a list of what you know of the Holy Spirit

This is important because we need to be aware of what we know and open to what we can learn.

The Spirit leads us.

This hopefully is not much of a surprise but it is important to get it out in the open. This is one of the primary jobs of the Holy Spirit.

We must be willing to be led.

Being led does not always mean agreement, but it does involve trust. We must be willing to trust someone in order to follow. In our world we do not like being a follower. We all want to be leaders. Yet this, is not the way of Christ.

Following the Spirit is not always comfortable.

This does not mean we should go our own way, that is far more dangerous.

The Spirit wants to conform us to Jesus.

This is a review from last week in the idea we are to be Jesus centered.

Jesus is the new Adam.

This is a deep doctrine but it is important. Paul specifically mentions how because Jesus is the new Adam he is able to save us by his death. Yet, Luke seems to allude to this as well because right before being in the wilderness Adam is mentioned.

Jesus succeeds where Israel failed.

Being in the wilderness also reminds the reader, at least the Jew, of the 40 year journey of Israel in the wilderness. This is intentional I believe to what Luke is trying to have the Spirit lead us and remind us of this day.

Temptation does not always mean wrong.

It is not always our own doing.

Temptation allows us to know our faith.

The Spirit is present during temptation.

We are never alone because the Spirit is always with us. The Spirit will not lead us where He does not also go!

With the Spirit’s leading, we can overcome temptation.

We are not powerless when it comes to temptation. Nor are we doomed to cave in.

The Spirit leads us in God’s Word.

Notice the way Christ responds: use of Scripture. Especially the book of Deuteronomy.

The Spirit leads away from independence.

This is a characteristic of the temptations Jesus faced. Satan wanted him to do it without having to rely on God or to force God to do it Jesus’ way. It is very similar with us.

The Spirit leads us to greater mission.

This is how we can understand the transition into ministry from Jesus immediately following this experience. The same can be true of us.

Question: Will you let the Spirit lead you?

Why: because we were made for a great mission. Why: because we can know the depth of our faith. Why: because the Spirit can be trusted. Why: because this is the way of Jesus.