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

Galatians 5:18

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

Galatians 5: 25

 

A distinction should be made between "being led by the Spirit" and "walking in the Spirit," because the former implies that the Spirit is guiding us, whereas the latter implies that we obey His guidance.

The Greek New Testament word for "led" is ago. It is a shepherding term that describes the Holy Spirit leading us like a shepherd leads his sheep. His leading reflects our relationship with Christ. This is because the Holy Spirit is the "another Paraclete," or Comforter, promised by Christ in John 14:16. Paraclete literally means "to come alongside in a time of trouble". It is a legal term that refers to an advocate or defense lawyer who helps when needed.

The Holy Spirit, as your Advocate, will lead you to all truth, which is Christ Jesus. (John 16:13) By believing and obeying the truth of the gospel, you are not only set free from sin, but also from legalism's false accusations. This means that every time you are accused of not being righteous enough or tempted to justify yourself with another standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit defends you! He will convict us of our righteousness in Christ (John 16:10) because His crucial role is to help us in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26-27).

People who hold a legalistic view of Christianity believe in their own abilities rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through them. Their "works of the law" will eventually turn into "works of the flesh". As a result, they are filled with self-righteousness, convinced that they can please God without the hearing of faith.

According to the Apostle Paul, we receive the Holy Spirit through faithful hearing of the gospel (Galatians 3:12), so if we want to see more of the Holy Spirit's supernatural work in our lives and the lives of others, we must hear and continue to hear the gospel. By developing a greater appetite for the gospel, we will be able to experience supernatural rest that none of us can have without the Holy Spirit.