Led by the spirit?

dktippit3
4 days ago
5 min read

When I wrote “Part 1: Two Mindsets, Two Destinies,” I introduced the idea that we all live under a dominant mindset—either governed by “the flesh” or by "the Spirit." That is the battleground. But what does it mean, practically and spiritually, to be “led by the Spirit”? And how do we know we're walking in that way?

Today I want to anchor this reflection in Galatians—especially Galatians 5—and draw in other passages to help us see the fullness of being Spirit-led. If you enjoyed the “mindset of the Spirit” series, think of this as a deeper excavation of how that mindset functions in our daily lives.

1. The Anchor: Galatians 5 on Flesh vs. Spirit

Galatians 5 is one of the clearest chapters where Paul contrasts two ways of living. Notice how he frames things:

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16, ESV)
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25, ESV)
And then he details the works of the flesh (sexual immorality, jealousy, fits of anger, etc.) and counters them with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) in Gal. 5:19–23.

Paul’s argument is simple but radical: You have a choice. Your life will bear fruit, but the shape of that fruit depends on which force you’re letting lead you.

When you “walk by the Spirit,” you follow the Spirit’s guidance, resist the flesh’s impulses, and allow God’s character to grow in you. When you “keep in step with the Spirit,” you move in sync, your choices, affections, and path align with His.

2. What “Being Led by the Spirit” Means (and Looks Like)

To help bring this out, here are several dimensions drawn from Scripture:

a) Transformation, not mere suppression

Being led by the Spirit isn’t about trying harder to suppress sin. It’s about a new power changing your desires from the inside out. Romans 8 says it beautifully:

“For those who are in the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:5)“Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Rom. 8:14)

So the Spirit’s leadership means your identity shifts—from one who sins, to one who is being sanctified by God’s Spirit.

b) Surrendering control

To be Spirit-led means relinquishing your own agenda, fears, or impulses. It’s a posture of humility:

“Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42) in Jesus’ prayer hints at this surrender.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Rom. 8:14) – there’s a Father–child relationship in which the child yields to the Father’s leading.
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16) – the walk is relational, ongoing, responsive.

So being led by the Spirit includes saying “yes” to His interruptions, nudges, and course corrections—even when they conflict with our plans, comfort, or expectations.

c) Growing fruit, not chasing performance

A Spirit-led life produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22–23). Notice, these aren’t boxes you check; they’re the byproduct of walking with the Spirit.

Jesus once said,

“By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matt. 7:16).

Being led by the Spirit shows up in our relationships, our speech, our character, and our decisions over time.

d) Freedom from sin’s dominion

One of the promises of Spirit leadership is release from slavery to sin:

“For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (Rom. 6:14)
“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Rom. 8:13)

When the Spirit leads, sin no longer rules. We may stumble, but we don’t stay captive.

e) Walk guided by truth and Scripture

The Spirit doesn’t lead apart from the Word—He illuminates, confirms, and applies Scripture. Jesus promised that the Spirit would “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). So being led by the Spirit is never in conflict with God’s revealed Word. Rather, the Spirit helps you understand it, apply it, and live it.

3. Why This Matters

We live in a noise-saturated world, distractions screaming for our attention, impulses masquerading as “freedom,” temptations disguised as fulfillment. Without an anchor, we default to fleshly mindsets, grasping at control, comfort, approval, or escape.

But being led by the Spirit is the way out. It’s not perfect, but it is real. It’s the difference between drifting aimlessly and walking with purpose. In my “Two Mindsets” series, I challenged readers to choose the mindset of the Spirit over the mindset of the flesh. Now I want to call us deeper: not just choosing the mindset, but being led by that mindset.

If you’ve read Part 1, you already know we’re in a war of mindsets.

Romans 8:6: “the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.”

But now we see how that mindset expresses itself: through the daily walk, the choices, the character, and the yielding.

4. How to Cultivate a Spirit-Led Life (Practical Steps)

Daily surrender - Every morning (and often throughout the day), ask: “Holy Spirit, guide me in this moment.” Offer your plans, emotions, conversations to Him.
Immerse in Scripture - Let God’s Word saturate your mind. When a prompt from the Spirit seems to arise, confirm it by what Scripture affirms.
Learn to listen - Sometimes the Spirit speaks quietly—through conviction, peace, Scripture, a gentle nudge. Practice noticing.
Walk in community and counsel - The Spirit often uses the wisdom of others to confirm direction. Be open to godly counsel.
Respond in obedience, however small - The more you obey, the more you will sense His leading. Small acts of obedience train your spirit.
Be patient with growth - You won’t transform overnight. The fruit of the Spirit grows over time. And when you fall, remember grace, not shame.

5. Invitation to Dig Deeper

If you were encouraged by Part 1: Two Mindsets, Two Destinies, I invite you to go back and reflect on how your mindset influences your life path. (That post is here if you want to reread: Two Mindsets, Two Destinies).

From there, journey into Part 2 and beyond, and ask:

How often am I led by the flesh’s impulses, without stopping to discern?
What “fruit” is my life bearing today—more of the flesh or of the Spirit?
Where might God be calling me to surrender control, trust more deeply, and follow His voice?

Let’s not settle for a shallow Christianity or a checkbox faith. Let’s live led, led by the Spirit, walking not by sight but by faith, allowing Christ’s character to form in us.

Revolver Broadcasting