Mensa Otabil - The Spirit's Leading (10/02/2025)
This is the first Sunday of the year 2021, and I trust that you’ll be in church to give thanks to God and glorify Him for bringing you into the new year. It’s great to see one year pass and to welcome another year, so go to church this morning and spend time in the presence of God. We’re still talking about being led by God through His Holy Spirit as we start the new year. Romans chapter 8:14 states, «For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God,» and the daughters of God as well.
The primary way that God leads His children is through His revealed word in the Bible. However, God also leads us through the Holy Spirit. Through the Bible, we receive general guidance; we know what God wants us to do and what He doesn’t want us to do. For example, the Bible tells us that God has good plans for us. He wants things to go well for us. He says, «I know the thoughts that I have towards you, thoughts of good and not of evil, to bring you to an expected end.» So, God has good plans for us, but what are those specific good plans? The good plans God has for me may differ from the good plans He has for you. In the Bible, we understand that God has good plans for us, but it is the Holy Spirit who provides specific direction regarding what those particular good plans are for you each day, week, month, and year.
That is why reading the Bible and cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, as well as staying close to Him, is crucial. One of the ways that the Holy Spirit leads us is through what we call an inward witness. An inward witness is not a voice you hear; you’re not going to hear something speaking directly into your ear, but it’s something you feel inside of you. Some people call it intuition, and others call it a gut feeling. However, for the believer, it’s not just intuition or a gut feeling; it is an impression from the Holy Spirit within you.
It’s an inward message that you possess, and sometimes when you’re about to do something, that inward feeling may cause discomfort. It’s as if you don’t hear a voice saying not to do it, but you feel a certain discomfort about a decision you want to make or a trip you want to take. When you feel this as a child of God, take time to pray about it because it could be the Holy Spirit witnessing within you regarding something He wants you to do. If you expect to hear a loud voice, you may not hear it, but each of us has that inward witness of the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit lives inside of you, He will nudge you; He will literally tell you to do or not do something and guide you from within.
Sometimes, you may want to do something that seems difficult, yet inside you feel a certain peace about it. It may appear very disturbing externally, but if there is calmness inside you, that may also be an indication of the Holy Spirit within you. When you experience this, do not rush to the conclusion that everything is okay; take time to ponder it, pray about it, and ask God for more clarity. As you do this consistently, you will begin to develop spiritual alertness or sensitivity, so that your choices and decisions are guided by the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. If you can learn these two things, your decision-making will be more accurate than that of the average person, and you will learn to do the right thing and walk in the path that God has for you in 2021. Your paths will be blessed, and the Lord will make you fruitful; this comes through knowing His Word and the Holy Spirit.
Let’s pray together. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, I open my spirit to Your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow Your leading within me. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.» Well, happy Sunday to you! May the Lord lead you, guide you, and grant you a prosperous year. Pastor Mensa Otabil, shalom, peace, and life to you.