But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 5: 18 (NKJV)

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5: 25 (NKJV)

There is a clear distinction between "being led by the Spirit" and "walking in the Spirit," with the former implying the Spirit guiding us and the latter demonstrating our obedience to His guidance.

The Greek New Testament word for "led" is ago. It is a shepherding term that describes how the Holy Spirit leads us in the same way that a shepherd leads his sheep. His guidance reflects the relationship we have with Christ. This is because the Holy Spirit is the "another Paraclete" or Comforter promised to us by Christ in John 14:16. The term "paraclete" literally means, “to call alongside to help.” It is a legal term that refers to an advocate or defence lawyer, someone who is summoned to assist someone in need and trouble.

As your Advocate, the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth, which is in Christ Jesus (John 16:13). By believing and obeying the truth of the gospel, you are set free not only from your sin, but also from the false accusations of legalism. This means that whenever we are accused of not being righteous enough or tempted to prop ourselves up with another standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit defends us! He will convict us of our righteousness in Christ (John 16:10) because it is His crucial role to assist us in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26–27).

People who believe in a legalistic interpretation of the Christian life put their faith in their own efforts rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through them. Their "works of the law" will eventually become "works of the flesh." These people will develop a sense of self-righteousness because they believe they can please God and work miracles without the hearing of faith,

According to the Apostle Paul, we receive the Holy Spirit through the faithful hearing of the gospel (Galatians 3:2). So, if we want to see more and more of His supernatural working in our lives and the lives of others, all we have to do is hear and keep hearing the gospel (Galatians 3:5. If we increase our appetite for the gospel, we will experience a rest that none of us can experience apart from the Holy Spirit. This faithfulness leads to fruitfulness.