How to Live a Spirit-Led Life Study Course

You are a spirit, you have a soul (mind, will, emotions), and you live in a body. Understanding this divine design is the foundation to being led by the Holy Spirit—from the inside out, not by feelings or logic alone.

Big Idea

God is a Spirit, and He communicates with believers through their reborn human spirit—not their physical senses or emotions. To live a Spirit-led life, you must recognize the difference between spirit and soul and learn to follow the inward witness.

Key Texts

• 1 Thessalonians 5:23 — Spirit, soul, and body distinguished.
• Hebrews 4:12 — The Word divides soul from spirit.
• Romans 8:14–16 — The Spirit bears witness with our spirit.
• Romans 2:14–16 — Conscience as a witness.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Your spirit is a new creation in Christ.
• Philippians 1:6 — God will complete the work He started in you.
• Proverbs 20:27 — The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord.

Why This Truth Matters

The New Birth occurs in your spirit. Revelation, guidance, and victory flow from your spirit. If you mistake the soul (thoughts, emotions) for the spirit, you will misinterpret God’s leading and live frustrated. Understanding the three-part nature of man unlocks how God speaks to you.

Main Teaching

1) Man Is a Three-Part Being

Scripture lists man in this divine order: spirit, soul, and body (1 Th 5:23). The spirit is the core of your identity and the part made alive at salvation. Your soul is the mind, will, and emotions—your personality. Your body is your physical house.

2) Spirit and Soul Are Not the Same

Hebrews 4:12 teaches that the Word of God divides soul from spirit. If they can be divided, they are not the same. Your spirit receives from God; your soul processes information. Confusion between the two leads to spiritual misdirection.

3) Your Spirit Is the Control Center

God designed your spirit to be the engine of your being. Your soul is the transmission, and your body is the vehicle. When the spirit is strong and fed on the Word, it leads the soul and body in victory.

4) Conscience Is the Voice of Your Spirit

Your conscience is not your mind—it is the voice of your spirit (Romans 2:15). A trained, Word-filled spirit provides a reliable inward witness that the Holy Spirit uses to guide you.

Practice

• Locate your spirit: Notice where you feel conviction or “inward checks”—that is your spirit responding.
• Feed your spirit daily: Read, speak, and meditate on the Word to strengthen the inner man.
• Journal leadings: Record moments where you sensed peace or a check—and the outcome.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Have you ever confused emotions with the leading of the Spirit? What was the result?
2. Which area—spirit, soul, or body—has had the loudest influence in your decisions?
3. What habit can you implement this week to become more spirit-conscious?

Memory Verse

1 Thessalonians 5:23 — “May your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Every believer has the Holy Spirit within. His primary way of leading isn’t sky-writing or an audible voice—it’s the inward witness, often sensed through the conscience, the voice of your spirit. Learn to recognize that inner “peace or check” and follow it in everyday decisions.

Big Idea

The Spirit leads God’s sons and daughters by bearing witness with their spirit (Rom 8:14–16). Your conscience communicates that witness to your mind. Train it with the Word, keep it tender, and you’ll walk accurately in the Spirit-led life.

Key Texts

• Romans 8:14–16 — Led by the Spirit; He bears witness with our spirit.
• 1 John 2:27 — The anointing abides in you and teaches you.
• Romans 9:1 — “My conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit.”
• Romans 2:15 — Conscience bears witness; thoughts accuse or excuse.
• Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16 — Paul’s good/clear conscience.
• Romans 13:5 — Be subject “for conscience’ sake.”
• 2 Corinthians 1:12 — The testimony of our conscience (simplicity, sincerity, grace).

Why This Truth Matters

• Clarity: Distinguishes God’s inner witness from emotions or logic.
• Everyday guidance: Purchases, relationships, moves, ministry—He cares about it all.
• Protection: A tender conscience keeps you from pitfalls and preserves joy and peace.

Main Teaching

1) The Spirit Within Leads

If you’re born again, the Spirit of God lives in you (1 Jn 2:27). As God’s children, we should expect to be led (Rom 8:14). His most common guidance is the quiet, inner assurance (or check) known as the inward witness.

2) Conscience: Voice of Your Spirit

Read Rom 8:16 alongside Rom 9:1: the Spirit bears witness with your spirit, and your conscience bears witness “in the Holy Spirit.” The conscience is how your spirit “speaks” to your mind. Keep it clear and calibrated by the Word.

3) What It Feels Like: Peace or a Check

In decisions big or small, notice the inner sense: a steady peace to proceed, or a “scratchy,” uneasy check to pause or stop. Don’t reason yourself past a red light—Rom 2:15 warns that thoughts will try to accuse or excuse what the conscience flagged.

4) Keep a Tender Conscience

Paul “exercised” himself to keep a clear conscience (Acts 24:16) and obeyed authorities “for conscience’ sake” (Rom 13:5). A responsive heart (2 Cor 1:12) stays sensitive to the Spirit’s gentle nudges.

Illustrations

The Doctor Visit: A man told his doctor, “My conscience is troubling me.” The doctor asked if he wanted help to strengthen his will. “No,” he said, “something to weaken my conscience.” Many only see conscience as a moral referee—but it is also the Spirit’s instrument to guide daily life.

The Dashboard Voice: A driver yanked the wire to silence his car’s fuel warning. A few miles later, he ran out of gas. Ignoring the “little voice” doesn’t change reality; it just removes the warning. Don’t pull the wire on your conscience.

Practice

• Pause & check: Before decisions (buying, moving, dating, posting), ask: “Do I have peace or a check?”
• Journal the witness: Note what you sensed, what you did, and the outcome. Patterns will emerge.
• Feed & train: Read and speak the Word daily so your conscience stays calibrated and clear.
• Obey quickly: Keep short accounts—repent fast when you override a check; reinforce responsiveness.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Where have you reasoned yourself past a clear inward check? What did it cost?
2. Which area most needs a tender conscience—money, relationships, work, ministry?
3. What two habits will you build this week to notice and follow the inward witness?

Memory Verse

Romans 8:16 — “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Hearing God is not about volume—it’s about posture. God speaks with a still, small voice, and only those who position their hearts to listen will recognize His leading. To live a Spirit-led life, you must cultivate a listening attitude and tune your spiritual hearing above the noise of life.

Big Idea

God is always speaking, but not everyone is listening. The key to hearing God is not waiting for Him to speak louder—it is quieting ourselves and cultivating a servant posture of “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”

Key Texts

• 1 Samuel 3:1–10 — Samuel learns to recognize God’s voice.
• 1 Corinthians 14:10 — Many voices in the world, each with meaning.
• 1 Kings 19:12 — God speaks in a still, small voice.
• Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”

Why This Truth Matters

Hearing from God is not a spiritual luxury—it is essential for direction, protection, and transformation. A life led by the Spirit depends on distinguishing His voice from all other voices, especially our own reasoning and emotions.

Main Teaching

1) God Speaks, But We Must Be Listening

Samuel was serving in the temple, yet he did not recognize God’s voice until he positioned himself to listen (1 Sam. 3:7). You can be active in ministry and still miss God’s direction if your posture is not one of listening.

2) Adopt a Hearing Posture

Samuel responded, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” Hearing begins with surrender and attention—not demanding God to listen to us, but offering ourselves to hear Him (1 Sam. 3:10).

3) God’s Voice Is Still and Gentle

God does not shout over distractions. His voice comes as a quiet inward knowing—a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12). If you want to hear clearly, you must quiet your soul and silence competing voices.

4) You Must Know What You’re Listening For

God’s voice brings peace, clarity, and alignment with His Word. It does not pressure, confuse, or condemn. Recognizing His tone will help you quickly discern His leading above emotional impulses or outside influences.

Practice

• Daily Listening Time: Spend time in prayer where you stop talking and simply listen.
• Quiet Your Environment: Remove distractions—phones, noise, mental clutter—to tune in spiritually.
• Say, “Speak, Lord, I am listening”: Posture your heart before God in humility and expectation.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What voices compete most with God’s voice in your life?
2. How often do you set aside time not just to pray, but to listen?
3. What does the still, gentle nature of God’s voice teach you about His character and His relationship with you?

Memory Verse

1 Samuel 3:10 — “Speak; for Your servant is listening.”

Listening and waiting go together. Many miss God’s direction not for lack of praying, but because they don’t linger long enough to hear. Waiting is part of prayer—creating space for God’s answer rather than rushing away with our own plans.

Big Idea

You can’t hurry hearing. In Scripture, God’s people often paused—“Stand still, and I will hear” (Num 9:8). Waiting is a faith posture that values God’s voice over activity; those who wait are strengthened, guided, and never put to shame.

Key Texts

• Numbers 9:6–9 — “Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command.”
• Numbers 9:21–22 — Israel moved only when the cloud moved.
• Isaiah 28:16 — “He that believes shall not make haste.”
• Isaiah 45:15 — “Truly, You are a God who hides Yourself.”
• Hebrews 11:6 — God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
• Genesis 5:21–24 — Enoch walked with God (development over time).
• Isaiah 40:31 — Those who wait on the LORD renew strength.
• Psalm 27:14 — Wait on the LORD; He will strengthen your heart.
• Lamentations 3:25–26 — The LORD is good to those who wait.
• Isaiah 49:23 — Those who wait for Me shall not be ashamed.
• Isaiah 64:4 — God prepares things for those who wait for Him.
• Isaiah 30:21 — “This is the way, walk in it.”

Why This Truth Matters

• Direction over motion: Waiting prevents impulsive decisions and aligns timing with God.
• Formation: Intimacy requires time; faith and patience mature your hearing.
• Provision: Strength, goodness, and prepared things are promised to those who wait.

Main Teaching

1) Waiting Is Part of Prayer

Moses modeled it: “Stand still, and I will hear…” (Num 9:8). Don’t rush from prayer; build in space to listen. We’re not trying to impress God with “prayer push-ups”—we’re seeking His instruction.

2) You Can’t Rush Hearing God

“He that believes shall not make haste” (Isa 28:16). If you don’t have time to wait, ask: do I have time to be in the weeds from a wrong decision? Waiting saves time by preventing detours.

3) God Hides—Seek Diligently

God sometimes conceals (Isa 45:15) so that seekers are rewarded (Heb 11:6). Waiting is how faith says, “Your voice is worth my time.”

4) Biblical Patterns of Waiting

Israel moved only when the cloud moved (Num 9:21–22). Even names like Jahleel and Hacaliah echo “waiting on God.” The wise don’t force timing; they follow.

5) Development Takes Time

Enoch “walked with God” after a turning point (Gen 5:21–24)—growth is progressive. Don’t be hard on yourself; keep showing up to wait and listen.

6) Four Benefits of Waiting

• Strength: Those who wait renew strength (Isa 40:31; Ps 27:14).
• Goodness: “The LORD is good to those who wait” (Lam 3:25–26).
• No Shame: “Those who wait for Me shall not be ashamed” (Isa 49:23).
• Prepared Things: God has prepared what you need (Isa 64:4).

Practice

• Schedule listening: Add 5–15 minutes of silence after prayer; write what you sense.
• Don’t move the camp: If the “cloud” (peace) doesn’t move, neither do you.
• Ask & wait: “Lord, what is Your timing and next step?” Remain until you have clarity or a check.
• Build capacity: Gradually lengthen waiting time this week (e.g., 5→10→15 minutes).

Reflection & Discussion

1. Where has hurry cost you clarity? How would waiting have changed it?
2. What daily window can you guard for unhurried listening?
3. Which promise (strength, goodness, no shame, prepared things) motivates you most to wait?

Memory Verse

Isaiah 40:31 — “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”

Holy Spirit preparation shaped Apollos into a powerful, accurate, humble, and bold servant of Jesus.

Meet Apollos: Another Man Used of God to Build A Courageous Church

In a previous podcast, we left off talking about Apollos and his Holy Spirit-led connection to the church at Ephesus.

We talked specifically about how the saints in Ephesus got to be the saints in Ephesus in the first place.

Acts 18:24–28 (ESV) — 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

We mentioned that Apollos was Jewish and a native of Alexandria, a great seaport city of 1 million people with a huge Jewish population — about 40%.

We said that the city was a knowledge hub, with the Libary at Alexandria housing 700,000 scrolls.

Compare that to the Library at Ephesus, built in the year 117 AD, which held 12,000 scrolls.

This was the hometown of Apollos, and this background is part of his story and part of how God built a courageous church in Ephesus.

Apollos: Competent and Eloquent in the Scriptures

Now, the word of God states that Apollos was an eloquent man.

What does that mean?

The Greek word ‘eloquent’ used here means speaking with precision, force, and persuasion, especially as the result of study.

That ties in with the knowledge that was floating around Alexandria: Apollos was a studious man.

That’s who God sent to Ephesus.

He was also competent in the scriptures.

Competent means having the skills and qualifications to do something well.

You don’t acquire skills without preparation.

Knowledge of God and His Word doesn’t come automatically.

It takes time — it takes effort.

It’s just like any relationship you have in the natural.

You have to work at it so that it will blossom.

What else was Apollos?

He was instructed in the way of the Lord.

The word ‘instructed’ means verbally informed.

Do you remember how Paul ministered in the synagogue? — he reasoned.

That’s part of Apollos’ development: he sat listening at the feet of others and learned.

Again the preparation part is evident here.

To hear, you have to show up to the meeting.

You must make time for your teacher.

That means availability.

What else was Apollos?

The scripture says that he was fervent.

The word ‘fervent’ means to be inflamed or boil emotionally; it’s conceived of as water boiling.

I don’t know if you know this, but this is a prayer that you can pray for yourself.

If you feel that you are dragging in the things of God — that maybe you are spiritually low or off, You can ask the Lord to turn up the fire inside of you.

But, be prepared when you do.

His fire inside of you is all-consuming.

You can be hard to live with when your heart is burning.

You remember that Jeremiah experienced this burning.

Jeremiah 20:9 (ESV) — 9 If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

Jeremiah couldn’t hold it back — the Word burning in Him was consuming.

It will do you that way, too, if you pray.

Accurate

The next trait that Apollos had that needs our focus is found in verse 25.

He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

The Greek word ‘accurately’ pertains to strict conformity to a standard or norm, focusing on careful attention.

If you used the words ‘carefully,’ or ‘exactly’ in addition to accurately, that would help you get the sense of this word: accurately — carefully — exactly.

So, Apollos was a careful, exact, and accurate teacher of God’s Word.

To be so, takes effort — it takes preparation.

This kind of teacher, this kind of teaching, doesn’t just happen.

This word ‘accurately’ is found in other places in the New Testament.

It’s the same word used in Herod’s search for Jesus via the Wise-men.

You remember the Wise-men of the Christmas story, right?

Matthew 2:8 (ESV) — 8 And he (Herod) sent them (the Wise-men) to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

The word ‘diligently’ used here — ‘go and search diligently for the child’ is this Greek word that means accurately — carefully — exactly.

That’s what Herod wanted - he didn’t want them to just work hard in finding Jesus.

He wanted accuracy — he wanted to know exactly where Jesus was — Herod desired to pinpoint Jesus' whereabouts exactly.

Here’s another place the word ‘accurately’ is used.

How about Luke 1:3.

Luke 1:3 (ESV) — 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

Did you hear the word ‘orderly’ here?

It seemed good to Luke to write an 'orderly' account of the life and ministry of Jesus.

What does orderly mean — it means accurate, careful, and exact.

So, Luke, the doctor took some time — spent some effort — tracked down details about the life of Jesus — that’s how you get things accurate.

You can have confidence in the Word of God that you are reading.

It wasn’t just slapped together in a mish-mosh fashion.

Let’s look at one more place.

Ephesians 5:15 (ESV) — 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

You see the word carefully here?

You got it — it’s the same Greek word.

This passage talks about your walk — the believer's walk.

How should you walk? — carefully.

In what way should you live — exactly.

How should you carry yourself? — carefully.

You see, you can learn quite a bit from this simple Greek word.

Let’s reread it: Look carefully then how you walk.

There are a couple of other words that you need to know about here.

The Greek word ‘look’ means to discern mentally, observe, perceive, consider, contemplate, look to in the sense of taking care, take heed.

So, you see, the word ‘look’ doesn’t mean to take something in visually.

Like you ‘look’ at TV or you look on the Internet or look at your email.

When it comes to being accurate, careful, and exact about your walk, your ‘looking’ has to be more than just a casual glance.

You probably already know that the word ‘walk’ — ‘look carefully how you walk’ — doesn’t mean taking a stroll.

The walk spoken of here means to order one’s behavior.

So now, when you put these three words together, here is what you have.

Be constantly taking heed how accurately you are conducting yourselves. That is, see to it that your conduct is accurate with respect to the demands of the Word of God.[2. Wuest]

So, we are looking at the traits of a prepared man.

Apollos was accurate.

What else do the scriptures divulge about him?

Preparation: Being A Good Steward

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

Lock-in on that last part: he knew only the baptism of John.

So, Apollos was all that he was, eloquent; that is, he spoke with precision, force, and persuasion emanating out of his studious habit.

He was instructed or verbally informed.

Fervent, that is, inflamed or boiling emotionally.

You could say he was hot in his heart.

And to top that off, he was careful, exact, and accurate.

Here is the point, Apollos was all of this with a lesser revelation of God’s word.

He only knew the baptism of John.

Preparation: The Baptism of John and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Now, read this passage in Acts nineteen; it will help in understanding the ‘baptism of John.’

Acts 19:1–7 (ESV) — 1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

Now, there are some things that you need to know to understand this passage.

First, the Baptism of John was under the Old Covenant.

Second, it is not possible to be a born-again Christian and not have the Holy Spirit.

But, it is possible to be born again and not be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The disciples in the Upper Room are proof of this.

They were born again.

John’s gospel has a record of their conversion.

John 20:19–23 (ESV) — 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Did you hear the Lord Jesus here?

He said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’

You can’t receive the Holy Spirit unless you are born again.

John 7:38–39 (ESV) — 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

So, if Jesus said to the disciples, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit,’ that means they did.

God’s Word does not return void.

Since they received the Holy Spirit, that means they believed according to this passage in John seven.

So, the disciples believed — the disciples received the Holy Spirit — yet Jesus told them to wait for the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:49 (ESV) — 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

So, the disciples had the Spirit in them, but they weren’t clothed with power from on High.

Maybe this passage of scripture may help us here.

Acts 2:4 (ESV) — 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Greek word ‘filled’ means to fill completely, fill up, and cause to be full[3. James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).]

It’s the same word as in Luke 5:7 of the miracle of filling Peter’s boat with fish.

Luke 5:7 (ESV) — 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

You remember that they toiled all night, and they caught nothing.

Jesus said to Peter, “I need your boat to preach in.”

There was a huge crowd, and there was no room for Jesus to minister to the multitude.

After Jesus finished, he told Peter to launch out into the deep and cast his net on the right side.

They came up with such a humongous catch of fish that it FILLED the boat to the point it began to sink.

That’s what full means.

So, it’s one thing to have the Spirit; it’s quite another thing to be full of the Spirit.

How do you know that you are full?

The by-product of being full is speaking.

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues — that’s what Acts 2:4 says.

Acts 4:8 (ESV) — 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,

Peter filled with the Spirit spoke — he said something — not in other tongues, but he said something because he was full - he had to get it out.

Sometimes it’s like that — you have to speak, or it seems like you’re going bust.

Now, we have digressed just a little, but it was all good — you now understand that Apollos had a lesser revelation of God’s Word — he knew only the baptism of John.

He was faithful with the lesser revelation.

And when you are faithful with less, God gives you more.

If you are faithful with little, more will be your next-level portion.

Acts 18:24–26 (ESV) — 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately

So, Apollos was faithful with what he had so that the Lord could add more to his life.

This leads us to another trait that Apollos had — boldness.

Preparation: Boldness

You see this trait expressed in verse 26: ‘He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.’

What does it mean to be a bold person?

The word ‘boldness’ means to speak or express oneself freely, openly, fearlessly[4. William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 782.]

Another Greek lexicon has it as to speak honestly and straightforwardly (as without fear). 

You get the idea here — free, uninhibited speech without fear.

Boldness is not something you work up or put on.

But, it is something in your Holy Spirit arsenal because of the life of God within.

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV) — 1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Boldness is a fruit of your righteous standing in God.

Put this verse in Proverbs together with 2 Corinthians 5:23.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) — 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

You are the righteousness of God in Christ.

What does that mean?

It means you are no longer separated by sin — it’s like you never sinned a day in your life.

Righteousness means a clean slate.

If you have a clean slate, you can come to God with an open face.

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) — 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Apollos was bold.

Now boldness is a fruit of righteousness, and it is something you should be praying for.

Paul did.

Ephesians 6:18–20 (KJV) — 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Paul petitioned the Ephesian believers to pray for him that he might have utterance so that he might speak freely of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God as he felt that he ought to speak.

So, add boldness to the list of Apollos’s traits.

This leads us to yet another trait that Apollos possessed — humility.

Preparation: The Value of Humility

Apollos didn’t raise up in pride when Priscilla and Aquila took him aside.

He didn’t feel that taking him aside was taking him down.

Apollos was humble — Apollos was teachable.

You know, if you can’t receive correction — there is a problem.

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) — 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

If you understand that God resists the proud, you can readily understand the value of humility.

I mean, you don’t want any of that God 'opposing you' business.

No, you want your heart to be clothed with humility.

Give God credit for your life — for your abilities — for your possessions.

You want your actions and responses to speak of Christ-likeness.

Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV) — 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Do you hear all these words in this group of verses? — learn, gentle, lowly, rest, easy, and light.

That’s the walk of humility — and Apollos demonstrated that he had this trait.

He had it before he met Priscilla and Aquila.

Preparation: Powerful

The last Apollos trait that we want to look at is found in verse 28.

Acts 18:27–28 (ESV) —27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

He powerfully refuted the Jews.

Now, I fully expected that when I went to look up the definition of the word ‘powerful’ that I find the Greek word for power, the word ‘dunamis.’

But that’s not what I found.

The word here ‘powerful’ or ‘powerfully’ means something else.

It almost has ties to the fervent that we have already looked at because the word means vehemently or in a way marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions.

Powerfully refuting the Jews means Apollos was extremely intense about what he was trying to communicate.

Can we say it this way? He was emotionally intense.

So, all of Apollos’s being was wrapped up in his message.

Apollos in Review

So, let’s sum up what we’ve already come to know about this man that God sent to the church at Ephesus.

Apollos was eloquent; he spoke with precision, force, and persuasion emanating out of his studious habit.

He was instructed or verbally informed.

Fervent, that is, inflamed or boiling in his heart.

He was careful, exact, and accurate.

He was faithful with a lesser revelation of God’s Word.

When he received greater knowledge, he did so, exhibiting the fruit of humility and declaring what he had with great, bold, free speech, without any fear.

Then lastly, we saw that Apollos was all-in where his message was concerned.

This is the man God sent to Ephesus. *He was a prepared man — you don’t become all of this overnight.

Quotes on Preparation

Now, as we get ready to close, I want you to know that there are some great quotes on this idea of preparation.

Alexander Graham Bell said.

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.

Colin Powell said.

There are no secrets to success. It is a result of preparation, hard-work, and learning from failure.

My favorite quote on preparation comes from Abraham Lincoln and actually got it from the Bible.

This is what Lincoln said.

If I had eight hours to cut down a tree, I would spend six of those hours sharpening my axe.

Again, he got that from Ecclesiastes 10:10.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 (ESV) — 10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.

What does wisdom teach us about cutting down trees?

The best road to success is if you have a dull ax, sit down and sharpen it.

That is prepare, prepare, prepare.

You guys have a great God-week, and we will see you next time for another edition of Light On Life.

God primarily leads by the inward witness, but at times He uses dreams and visions. These are biblical and helpful when tested by Scripture and the Spirit’s witness in your heart.

Romans 8:14 (NKJV) — 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

In last weeks podcast, we gave you the number one way that God will lead you – by the inward witness.

There are other ways that the Lord will lead you. He is not limited in His approach towards you.

Put your faith, not in your ability but in His ability to get the information to you.

Most of the time God will lead you by the inward witness but there are times that He will use other methods.

He will speak to you in your spirit.You will hear words on the inside of you.This is the number two way that God will lead you.

Sometimes God will lead you through more spectacular methods.

Don't Go Seeking the Spectacular

That’s the reason why folks run to prophecy meetings.

It’s a rush.

It's spectacular.

“Prophecy over me – tell me something.”

The truth is you do not need a prophet to lead you.

God has provided other methods in the New Covenant.

Romans 8:14 did not say as many as are led by prophets.

Many miss the supernatural looking for the spectacular.

The spectacular supernatural is rare compared to the ordinary supernatural.

Never seek visions and dreams on your own.

Do not pray that God will give you visions and dreams.

If the Lord wants to show you some things by this method – fine – but don’t seek these things.

Many people have been led astray in these areas.

Visions 101

The Gift of Discerning of Spirits

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV) — 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Discerning of Spirits is not discernment or perception.

Discerning of Spirits is the ability to see into the spirit realm.

The Spirit realm contains

Angels are in the spirit realm

Demons are in the spirit realm

God is in the spirit realm

Jesus is in the spirit realm

Your mansion is in that other realm

There are animals, peoples, buildings, grass, mountains, etc in that other realm.

The Reason We Can't See Into the Other Realm

The spiritual realm moves at a different speed.

Illustration: Guns and BulletsYou cannot see a bullet being shot out of a gun. The bullet is being propelled faster than your eyes can see it. Your eyes don’t see the actual cartridge flying through the sky. What you do see is the effect of the bullet.

The spiritual realm moves at the speed of light.

Light travels at the rate of 186,000 miles a sec.

In the spirit realm, the ‘zero’ on all the vehicles speedometer is 186,000 miles a second and it goes up from there!

The reason you don’t see angels is because they move too fast for eyes to pick them up. But, they are there. Right in your room.

In the spirit realm, ‘zero’ on all the speedometers is 186,000 miles/sec. It goes up from there.

Visions Are Where God Permits You To See Into The Other Realm

He will either speed your eyes up or slow the other realm down so that you can see.

Elisha's servant saw angels

2 Kings 6:14- 18 (NKJV) — 14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Angels were there the whole time.

Elisha did not pray that the beings would come from heaven.

He prayed that his servants eyes would be opened so he could see what was already there.

God Gives Direction Through Visions

Cornelius received direction from an angel in a vision - Acts 10:1-6

Peter received direction from an angel in a vision - Acts 10:9-20

Notice verse 19

Acts 10:19 (KJV) — 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Notice he had a vision and then the Spirit said something to him.

He received communication two ways.

Call to Action:

Acts 2:17 (NKJV) — 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,Your young men shall see visions,Your old men shall dream dreams.Be open to God's methods of communication. Our supernatural God uses supernatural ways to get our attention. He is committed to leading into life and peace.

Hearing God is not a mystery reserved for a few—it is a spiritual skill that can be developed through intentional faith statements and daily consecration.

Big Idea

God is always speaking to His people. Sensitivity to His voice increases when you align your heart through faith-filled confession and conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit, instead of relying on natural reasoning or emotional noise.

Key Texts

• John 14:26 — The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us.
• Romans 8:16 — The Spirit bears witness with our spirit.
• 1 Samuel 3:9 — “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”
• Proverbs 20:27 — The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord.

Why This Truth Matters

Many believers struggle to hear God not because He is silent, but because their spiritual attention is drowned out by internal noise, fear, and reasoning. Practicing faith statements and consecration positions your spirit to receive clearly from the Lord.

Main Teaching

1) Spiritual Sensitivity Can Be Trained

Just as athletes train their bodies, believers can train their spirits to recognize the voice of God. Every moment of obedience fine-tunes your spiritual hearing.

2) Faith Declarations Align the Heart

Speaking “The Holy Spirit teaches me; I know His voice” positions your spirit in confidence rather than uncertainty or fear.

3) Consecration Removes Internal Noise

Consecration means setting your heart apart unto God—removing distractions, sin, and unbelief, and giving Him full permission to lead.

4) God Is Responsible to Communicate—You Are Responsible to Listen

Hearing God is not about your ability; it’s about His faithfulness. Settle the question that God will lead you, and your spirit will rest and receive.

Practice

• Daily Confession: “The Holy Spirit leads me. I recognize His voice. I will not follow a stranger.”
• Consecration Prayer: Set aside time daily to silence your heart and yield to His leading.
• Listening Exercise: Ask the Holy Spirit to bring something to your remembrance—and note how it rises within.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Have you been putting pressure on yourself instead of trusting God’s ability to lead?
2. What daily statements of faith could strengthen your awareness of the Holy Spirit?
3. Where do you need to consecrate your heart more fully to hear clearly?

Memory Verse

John 14:26 (ESV) — “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

The Spirit leads in many simple, practical ways. These lessons help you cooperate with Him in everyday life—especially in prayer—so you always do the right thing at the right time.

Big Idea

Don’t cram life with religious activity; cultivate responsiveness. When you let the Holy Spirit set the focus of your prayer and your day, you live “in season” and stay effective.

Key Texts

• 1 Corinthians 12:1 — “Concerning the spiritual…” (grow in spiritual understanding).
• 2 Peter 3:8 — God’s perspective of time reshapes our expectations.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 — There is a season and a time for every purpose.
• Romans 8:14 — Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God.
• Galatians 5:25 — Live by the Spirit; keep in step with the Spirit.

Main Teaching

1) Mountains and Bible Truth

Bible truth is like a mountain—you see different facets from different sides. If a teaching feels unfamiliar, it may be the “other side of the mountain,” not error. Today’s angle: the Spirit-led side of prayer.

2) “Concerning Spirituals” (1 Cor 12:1)

Paul’s phrase is literally “concerning spirituals.” One area many need to grow in is patient endurance in prayer—learning to listen and follow rather than rush and check boxes.

3) Get Smart About Time (2 Pet 3:8)

We often squeeze God into a 24-hour checklist, then feel condemned when we can’t “do it all.” God works in seasons, not just days. Release the pressure of “daily perfection”; embrace Spirit-timed obedience.

4) Seasons, Not Checklists (Eccl 3:1)

You’ve heard dozens of worthy prayer emphases (worship, intercession, leaders, needs…). You can’t do every emphasis every day. Let the Holy Spirit prioritize today’s assignment; you’ll always be “in season.”

5) Let the Spirit Lead Your Prayer Life (Rom 8:14)

Maybe today He highlights one person; tomorrow, nations; another day, your own heart. Follow His nudge and be satisfied in simple obedience. You maximize what you emphasize—so emphasize hearing and following.

Practice

• Two-Minute Surrender: Before praying, pause and say, “Holy Spirit, set today’s focus. What’s on Your heart?” Then follow the first clear nudge.
• Season Log: Keep a short journal of what He emphasized each day. You’ll see His seasonal patterns over time.
• Release the Checklist: If He didn’t lead you to a worthy item today, don’t force it. Obedience beats volume.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Where has “daily checklist pressure” replaced responsive listening in your prayer life?
2. What recent nudge from the Spirit brought you into the “right thing at the right time”?
3. Which simple habit (surrender pause, season log, releasing checklists) will you start this week?

Memory Verse

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV) — “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”