JEFF TURNER

Some people say they are “led by the Holy Spirit,” but not everyone means the same thing when they use that phrase. This idea comes directly from Galatians 5:18, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

So, what does that mean?

Some think being led by the Spirit is a feeling or special guidance that only a few Christians receive from time to time. However, that’s not what the Apostle Paul was teaching. He was making a clear statement about a believer’s identity. When someone is led by the Spirit, they are no longer under the law’s judgement. That means they are not trying to earn salvation by following rules—they now live under the Spirit’s direction and power.

If you are a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside you. Your body becomes His temple. The Spirit helps you feel close to God, calls out to the Father through you, shows you when you’ve done wrong, and helps you understand the Bible. He also moves you to live in a way that pleases God.

Being led by the Spirit isn’t something that happens sometimes—it’s the way of life for all true believers. Without the Spirit, a person is still under the law’s curse, trying to be saved by good deeds, and without real spiritual strength. But with the Spirit, believers have both freedom and power.