Following the Spirit

Step four of the lesson “Led By The Spirit” Romans 8:12-14 makes clear that we have no obligation to the sinful nature. To invest in it yields a return of death. To foster it makes no sense. Only guilty feelings result and serving it hinders the work of the Spirit. But how is it possible to subdue the sinful nature? By following the Spirit.

The key to life and peace with God is to allow the Spirit to direct our lives. This short movie file illustrates how two lines fall into step with one following the other. One line can be “kicked out” of synchrony, but it quickly falls back into step (movement) with the other. This illustrates a life that follows the Spirit, but occasionally is knocked out of step by sin. It’s just a graphic to help a visual learner grasp the idea of following the Spirit. Here is another video that shows a person following, then catching up to another person and afterwards, walking in step together.

Use these simple videos as a springboard to ask questions such as “In order to get in step, what must the follower do?” (notice in one video how the follower speeds up to catch the leader). What is the comparable move for a Christian who desires to get into step with the Spirit? Clearly, one must stop one behavior and began a new behavior. Ask, “What’s one weakness that’s keeping you from walking in step with the Holy Spirit?” The eyes in the painting in the pictured PPT slide illustrate the idea of following.