Three Things the Holy Spirit Will Never Do!

Romans 8:14, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

Having spent over forty years in the ministry, I've frequently heard Christians claim that the "Holy Spirit led" them to take certain actions.  My question to this is, "How can you be sure it was the Holy Spirit guiding you?"  Some of the things people say the Holy Spirit "led" them to do are very troubling.

Let me share with you three things the Holy Spirit will never do. I believe these will help us determine whether it is really the Holy Spirit "leading" us, or if perhaps it is just our emotions, flesh, or even something worse.

• The Holy Spirit Will Never Lead Me Contrary To Scripture.  2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” As God, the Holy Spirit is the author of the Word of God, and, as God, He cannot contradict His own Word.  If you sense the Holy Spirit leading you, the first thing to do is to examine the Scriptures very carefully and determine whether this action contradicts Scripture or not.  If it violates Scripture in any way, it is NOT the Holy Spirit!! John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”

  
  

  The Spirit is called “the Spirit of truth.” Scripture is repeatedly defined as truth (cf. John 17:17). Therefore, His guidance cannot oppose God’s written truth.

  
  

  If something contradicts Scripture, it cannot be the Spirit of truth leading it.
  

  The Holy Spirit’s leading will always line up with Scripture.
  

• The Holy Spirit Will Never Violate The Character Of Jesus Christ.  John 15:26, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” Any action or behavior that violates the Holy, sinless, meek, and lowly character of Jesus Christ is not the result of the Holy Spirit's leading.  The actions and character of the Holy Spirit conform perfectly with the actions and character of Jesus Christ.  Also, remember it is the HOLY Spirit that dwells within the believer.

  
  

  The Spirit’s testimony is about Christ — His person, work, and truth. A “leading” that promotes attitudes or actions unlike Jesus is a false one.
  

• The Holy Spirit Will Never Discredit The Message Of The Gospel. Some of the antics of many of the TV "preachers/evangelists" that are done in the name of the "Holy Spirit" are so contrary to Scripture and, in some cases, so outlandish as to completely discredit the message of the Gospel.  John 15:26 clearly states that the mission of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Jesus Christ and His soul-saving message. The Holy Spirit's leading will never "cloud" the message but always CLARIFY the message of the Gospel.
  

I am convinced that these three principles regarding the Holy Spirit will help us in avoiding misconceptions about the Holy Spirit's guidance. If I ever make a decision or take an action that contradicts any of these principles, I can be certain that the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with it!