Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. I. THE DESCRIPTION. We might almost have called it a picture. We are all travellers, and every step of our journey is under the guidance of influences which never cease to operate upon our character. Some are guided by the spirit of the world, some by the spirit of self-dependence, some by the spirit of superstition; but the children of God are led by the Spirit of God. 1. Why does the Spirit lead them? Because(1) They need guidance. Neither in thought nor action are we competent to take a single step by ourselves; and yet every step we take brings us nearer to God or takes us farther from Him. (2) Other guides are ready to lead astray. 2. Where does the Spirit lead them? Not in the paths where the garments will be defiled; not into the scenes of worldly dissipation and amusement, but often through many obstacles — (1) To the Cross, where they find rest to their souls. (2) To the closet, where they may find communion with their heavenly Friend. (3) To the house of God (4) To the Lord's table. (5) To duty. (6) To conflict. (7) To heaven. 3. How does He guide them? By an inward impulse and by an outward ministry, and by these conjointly. II. THE PRIVILEGE. "The sons of God." This privilege — 1. Commences with adoption. Adoption is the taking and treating a stranger as one's own child. It is a mere act of grace. 2. Is effectuated by regeneration. For it is in nature as well as in name that believers become the children of God. 3. Is sustained by Divine nourishment. There is milk for babes, and meat for strong men. 4. Is confirmed by Divine instruction. The world is converted into a vast school for the benefit of the Church, as the wilderness was when God brought His people out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 4:36; Deuteronomy 32:10). 5. Is manifested by Divine resemblance. 6. Is witnessed by the Divine Spirit. 7. It is the pledge of the highest glory. (P. Strutt.) Parallel Verses KJV: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.WEB: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. |
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