Following the Spirit: The Key to Being a Child of God

Following the Spirit: Key to Sonship

I want to share with you the importance of following the Spirit in our walk with Christ. As Christians, we are called to be led by the Spirit, not by our flesh or worldly desires. The Apostle Paul makes this clear in Romans 8 when he says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:14)

Recently, my wife Susan and I moved to Memphis, following the leading of the Spirit. We believe God has called us here to be part of a move of God in this city. That's why I'm so excited about the upcoming "Exalt Jesus Memphis" event on April 4th. I truly believe that as we gather to lift up the name of Jesus, He will draw people to Himself and bring revival to this area.

But following the Spirit isn't always easy. Sometimes it means choosing to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His Word, like Mary did, instead of being distracted by all the things we think we need to do, like Martha. Jesus said, "one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42) That one needful thing is to hear from God and build our lives on His Word.

As we follow the Spirit, He guides us into all truth and builds us up in our faith. And the amazing thing is, the truths we learn from the Spirit stay with us eternally. They become part of who we are in Christ.

Following the Spirit also means putting to death the deeds of the flesh. As Paul said, "if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13) This isn't always pleasant. Sometimes it involves suffering, as we share in the sufferings of Christ. But we have this incredible promise: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16-17)

This is what it means to be a child of God - to be led by His Spirit, to build our lives on His Word, to put to death the deeds of the flesh, and to share in both the sufferings and glory of Christ. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it. 

So I encourage you today, seek the Lord with all your heart. Let His Spirit fill you and guide you. And come join us in Memphis on April 4th as we exalt the name of Jesus together. I believe God is going to do something powerful as we gather in His presence.