4-22. Guiding Comforter
“If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under bondage of effort to please God by works of the law” (Gal. 5:18, m.).
The motivating principle of the old life is the law; the motivating principle of the new life is “the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” The one produces “the works of the flesh”; the other, “the fruit of the Spirit.”
“To be guided by the Holy Spirit is to be moved through the most delicate relationships the heart can know. The ‘bit and bridle’ of the law must give way to the glance of the eye of grace (Ps. 32:8, 9). At this point Satan, appearing as ‘an angel of light,’ will seek to misdirect the believer’s life by making use of a morbid conscience, a mistaken impression as to duty, or a lack of understanding as to the exact teaching of God’s Word. However, Satan’s leadings are to be detected since they are irksome, painful, and disagreeable. The leading of the Holy Spirit is sweet and satisfying to the heart of the one who is yielded to God. We must remember that the will of God is said to be ‘good,’ ‘acceptable,’ and ‘perfect’ (Rom. 12:2).” -L.S.C.
“The believer has an all-engaging responsibility of continuing in an attitude of reliance (‘by means of the Spirit be walking’) upon the Holy Spirit. This is the believer’s divinely appointed task and place of cooperation in the mighty undertakings of God. Thus, and only thus, can the Holy Spirit possess and vitalize every human faculty, emotion, and choice.” -L.S.C.
“If we are living in the Spirit’s power, let our conduct also be governed by the Spirit’s power” (Gal. 5:25, Wey.).