A Sure Leading — Doc Greenway

Partnership with the Holy Spirit

Tonight, again, I want to continue the theme of partnership with the Holy Spirit. The text, as you no doubt know by now, is the last verse of the last chapter of 2 Corinthians. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Amen. Now, I have spoken to you on three occasions on this subject. On the first occasion, I mentioned that there is a kingdom involved in this partnership. That until a man is born again of the Spirit of God, he cannot understand or comprehend anything of these mighty movings of God's Spirit.

That is the first essential. And then after that, we spoke about a real sense of deliverance and freedom that comes through partnership with the Holy Spirit. On the third occasion, we spoke about that sense of thralldom which is involved because no man is the law unto himself in spiritual life.

And as I played back those tapes and listened to what I had to say, I was made quite aware that there were so many things that were left untouched and that some of the things upon which I had been led to touch and to make reference, they were not dealt with in any full way at all.

And it seemed to me that the best thing that I could do tonight was to continue on that theme and even though I may touch upon some things upon which I have spoken already, I know that you will understand it is done with a view to rounding off some of these principles which are involved.

The Holy Spirit Glorifies Christ

Now you may wonder why it is that we continue to speak about the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Let me disabuse your mind at once if you have any idea that we do not honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

We certainly do. And we believe that if you make room for the Holy Spirit, he will always make room for the Lord Jesus Christ. But if you do not honor the Holy Spirit, then he does not have the opportunity of glorifying the Lord Jesus in the midst of you.

And so while we speak about this subject, it is not a subject which is an end in itself, but simply a means to an end. The end is the exalting of the Lord Jesus Christ as the living head of his church and as the personal Savior of men.

Indeed, the Holy Spirit has no other function. His one supreme desire and longing is to exalt and glorify the Lord Jesus. And I am positive that as we keep that ever before our eyes as the vision glorious, we shall not be led astray into any side path or be taken up with any side issue.

This is a thrilling subject to me. I have said time and time again that I would rather not speak about the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit, but take up some other subject because the Word of God is full of such wonderful truths.

And indeed we have been trying to do that right here in this church. Those of you who have been attending the services will know that for a long while we spoke from the first epistle of Peter, and the Lord helped us to expound that wonderful letter.

Then we took the twelfth chapter of Romans, before that the eighth chapter of Romans, and I thought, well now this is fine, I'll continue talking about these great chapters of the Bible, and I'm all set to go.

And then the Lord said, no, I don't want you to do that, I want you to talk about the things that, well, are necessary for the people at such a time as this. And so I found myself being led back again to this great theme.

And I can honestly say to you tonight, it has been like a man bringing treasures, new and old, out of the wood. For I have seen things in my study and research and in my prayer times, as I've considered the Word of God, that I have not seen up to this point.

And although I've been a Christian for many years, and I've been baptized with the Holy Spirit for well over thirty years, yet the amazing thing is that when I come again to God's Word, and I come once more to this subject, the truth of God is so tremendous.

The Seven Practical Elements of Spiritual Partnership

Now tonight, I want to say that the partnership that we enjoy with the Holy Spirit is not so idealistic that it has no practical application. There are practical elements in this partnership, most practical.

They apply to our everyday life, and to the situations of everyday life, and that in a most definite and positive way. I know it is a profound mystery that He, the Eternal Spirit, should hold fellowship with us.

I know that there are things involved there that our minds cannot conceive, nor can we ever hope to analyze all that He wants and longs to do. For there are certain things that we glean from experience, and which we can discover in the Word of God.

There are certain principles of truth which are borne out in the experience of those whose lives are recorded in this book, and whose ministry is set down here for our edification, that gives us an assurance that we in our day and generation can know God in a real way, in a positive way, in a personal way, in a progressive way, and thank God in a perfect way too, if we are prepared to go on with Him.

And that, to me, is a cause for great rejoicing. How can we see these things of the Spirit? Well, I think we have to be in the same attitude as was John on the Isle of Patmos. It is when we are in the Spirit that we see the vision of the ascended Christ.

It is when we are immersed in the Spirit that the heavens seem to be opened to us. It is then that we see the Christ in the midst of the golden lampstands, the Christ who walks and who ministers as the great high priest, the Christ whose eyes are as a flame of fire, whose word is like a sharp sword, the Christ whose feet shine like silver brass, the Christ who is alive, and behold, alive forevermore.

But to see Him, we must be in the Spirit. And I think that is one of the great tests of the reality of what God is doing. I was speaking yesterday to a minister, not a minister in any of the so-called full gospel movements, but quite outside that altogether, and he was telling me how God has recently baptized him with the Holy Ghost and fire, and that he found himself speaking in other tongues and magnifying the Lord.

And I said, well, what does the experience mean to you? I shall never forget the smile on his face as he said, The thing that has convinced me it is that God is the fact, that suddenly I find that the Lord Jesus Christ, He is so much more wonderful than ever I thought He could be.

And although I have been a Christian all these years, he said, and ministering from God's word, why, I have suddenly realized the greatness of my Savior and the glory of the Christ who died for me. I said, oh, that's wonderful.

That's more important than speaking with tongues. That's more valuable than prophecy. That I think is far more lasting than any one of the gifts of the Spirit, to have that deep assurance in your heart that as you are led in the Spirit, Christ Jesus the Lord becomes so real to you, far more real than you'd ever realize or understood before.

And I'm sure that is the testimony of everyone who knows God in this way. So the ultimate proof of the validity of any experience that we have is whether or not it leads us to the exalted Christ and gives Him His rightful place in our life, that our testimony might bear fruit to His praise and honor and glory.

The Seven Aspects of Partnership

Now what are some of these practical elements which I am to mention? Well, I've discovered seven at least. Maybe you'd like to make a note of them, I'll go over them slowly and give you the opportunity.

First of all, there is in this fellowship a sure leading by the Spirit. There isn't any doubt about that. Sure leading. And then secondly, there is a full living in this partnership. Not just an existing, but a full living.

There is a deep loving in this partnership. A love which is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. There is a high longing in this partnership. A longing which I think is a creation of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and lives of those who know Him.

There is a quiet listening in this partnership. A listening for the voice that speaks with authority. And a listening for that voice in so many situations. Because He can speak in multifarious ways. And there is a sweet laboring in this partnership.

Where our service for Him becomes a delight. Something that is full of joy and gladness. And no longer do we labor as though the old chariot wheels need a lot of pushing along. But we find ourselves sitting in the chariot and being carried along by the power and by the glory of the Christ who loves us.

And then there is a rich learning in this partnership. For it seems to me we never come to the end of the lessons that He wants to teach us. As we walk in the light of His counsel and try to obey His will.

Sure Leading by the Spirit

Now I can only speak to you about one of those things tonight. The sure leading which is in this partnership. So many dear Christian people are concerned to know the leading of the Spirit of God. And unfortunately there are some who through lack of teaching believe that they have the leading of the Spirit.

But have been led far away from God. I want tonight therefore to utter a word of caution. But not that we might be so cautious that we become inactive. Caution does not necessarily mean inaction. We want to seek to do the will of God and to obey Him as He gives us light.

And as He gives us the understanding of His word and of His will. But what is involved then in this leading by the Spirit of God? Well I think you'll agree with me there is divine revelation in it. In the chapter read to us tonight in the portion read in verses 12 and 13.

I've got it typed out here to save time in turning to it. As I usually do. Here is what Jesus said to His disciples. I have yet many things to say unto you. But He cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He the Spirit of truth is come.

He will guide you into all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself. But whatsoever He shall hear. That shall He speak. And He will show you things to come. Observe first of all the reference to time here.

In verse 12. Many things to say unto you. But He cannot bear them now. At this present moment. There is a time element in the dealings of God. There has to be a conditioning of the mind to receive the revelation.

You can't expect that God is going to give you the full revelation at once. You cannot bear it now He said to them. You are not in the place to take it. To carry it. To receive it. To undertake. To hold it.

You can't do that yet. And I am sure that God has to say that to His people on occasion. Especially those who seem to be in the dark. Concerning the working of God's Spirit. Many things He longs to say.

But the mind has to be conditioned. To carry that unfolding. To receive it. And then to apply it. It is like the artist. Who always ushered his visitors into a dark room. Although it was blazing sunlight outside.

This room was heavily curtained. It was full of darkness and gloom. And after they had remained there for about ten minutes or so. Then He would take them into His studio and show them His paintings. His works of art.

And the reason for that. He wanted to get the glare of the world out of their eyes. That they might see the beauty of what He had produced. And that is how the Spirit of God deals with you and me. That is how God comes in His moving in our life.

He wants to take the glare of other things out of our eyes. Out of our gaze. That we might be conditioned to see the purposes of God. And comprehend something of the leading of His Spirit. And what a wonderful thing it is.

When we are able to go through that experience. Through that process. And find on the other side. A new understanding. A new comprehension. Of the things of God. God is very patient with us. He has been very patient with me.

I must confess that. Because so many times I have been unable. To take in what He wants to show me. But as I have lingered in His presence. And I have been willing to wait before Him. The revelation has come alright.

God is always willing to explain Himself. But not always in our terms of course. And then notice the reference to truth here. When He, the Spirit of truth has come. Now this word He is emphatic. Hekainos.

This one and this one alone. Distinct from all others. When He, the Spirit of truth has come. Then He will guide you into all truth. It is a distinctive name isn't it? The Spirit of truth. Three times it is used.

In relation to the comforter. First as strengthener. In John 14 verses 16 and 17. And I will pray the Father. And He shall give you another comforter. That He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth.

Which the world cannot receive. The comforter is the Spirit of truth. The word comforter is a very unhappy translation. It isn't that He comes to impart solace. Although He will do that when we need it.

But the idea behind the word is strengthener. Someone who can put iron into your soul. And we do need that occasionally don't we? I know that when people come to visit me. They are so sorry for themselves on occasions.

Filled with self-pity. And they wonder how they can face life. And I suppose in the ordinary course of things. What they are looking for is solace and comfort. Well they have that too. But I never allow them to leave.

Without giving them a little shot in the arm you know. And remind them that after all they are facing the challenge of life. And it is no time to be concerned with themselves. But rather to be occupied with the work of God.

We need that too. And often and often the Spirit of God comes. To give us that strengthening of faith. And determination and courage. That we can face the challenge of life. And face the things that militate against us.

And go through them. In the power which He alone can give. So that is the first reference then to the distinctive name. The Spirit of Truth. Connected with the Holy Spirit as comforter or strengthener.

The next scripture is John 15 and verse 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.

Here he is seen then. The Spirit of Truth. As testifier concerning the Lord Jesus. I think I have explained and no doubt you know it by now. That the work of the Holy Spirit. Is not primarily to bless us.

Or to undertake for us. Or to minister to us primarily. The real work of the Spirit. Is to testify and witness concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. He is here to advance His claims. He is here to support His word.

He is here in this very world which rejected Him. To show Him forth as the Glorious One. That is His work. And He does that as the Spirit of Truth. Only one equal with God could ever interpret God. And only one equal with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Could ever testify perfectly concerning Him. For He knows all there is to know about Him. And what He brings to you and me therefore. In His revelation of the Christ. He does as the Spirit of Truth. You can have false enthusiasm.

I suppose it is possible to have a false love. You can have false ideals. But you can never have false truth. And as the Spirit of Truth then. He is here to describe, depict, unfold before our wandering gaze.

All the glories of the Christ. As our earth born eyes are conditioned to see them. This is His work as the Spirit of Truth. And then He is also as the Spirit of Truth the initiator. He shall guide you into all truth.

Initiating the people of God into the truth of God. Not that He will point the way. But He will go before you. For that is the meaning of this word guide. He will go before you. So that you no longer need to be faltering and fumbling and stumbling and wondering.

Whether you are on the right track. For He will always be just a step ahead of you. According to the promise which Jesus gave. His wisdom is perfect. He knows all things. And therefore He can lead us.

In the path of God. In the will of God. In absolute truth. And in absolute perfectness. It doesn't mean that He is going to show us everything. It doesn't mean that we shall understand everything He does.

For we walk by faith and not by sight. We must know that. But He will give us enough light. To let us know that we are treading the right pathway. And sufficient light to take us a step at a time. You know in the early days in Wales.

Before we had electricity. It was quite a common sight to see people. So I am told. By the older people. Walking about with lanterns in the dead of night. There was one little boy. He had to go quite a way to his home.

And the gentleman with whom he had been staying. Said well alright son. You can take this lantern. And he looked at the lantern. And looked at the gentleman. And looked at the dark road ahead of him. And it seemed to be such a little flickering light.

And he said to the man well. This isn't very bright is it? No he said it isn't. But we will give you enough light to take one step at a time. And there is one thing I can promise you he said. It will light you home.

And that was a comfort to him. It's a comfort to me to know. That the blessed spirit of God. Although He doesn't flood my pathway with light. He gives me enough light. For a step at a time. Yet I know.

He will give me enough light. To see me home. And that is important to you and to me isn't it? God never intends. That we should understand perfectly this side. He never intends we should have. A perfect comprehension.

Of all that He does. For we see now. Through a glass darkly. We see the reflection in a mirror. And we are puzzled. It is only then that we shall see face to face. But now we can walk in the light of the counsel.

Which He gives us. Through the moving and working of the Holy Spirit. And enough light is given. To enable us to take one step at a time. And that's a wise procedure. Now notice not only the distinctive name which is given.

But the comprehensive area. Of his working and his moving. Notice. He will guide you. Into all truth. Again not complete understanding of all truth. Not that. But the area of truth. Is vast. And comprehensive.

You can never get to the end of it. For there is always something new to be shown to you. It is impossible. Ever to reach the limit of new discovery. Where this partnership of the Spirit is concerned.

Now I don't run away and say. That I said tonight that. You can see new truth. Never. If it's true it's not new. If it's new it's not true. For truth is as old as God. But he does give you glorious new light upon glorious old truth.

And that is a thing that I think. Is a cause for wonder and amazement. That he can take this book of God. He can take the truth of God. Record it here. And yet over and over again. He can show you new aspects.

New angles. Until it scintillates and shines and is glorious. Before your wondering gaze. And your heart is thrilled. At least mine is often and often. As I see something which I've never seen before.

In the Word of God. Now that is what he is doing. Guiding us. Leading us. Into all the truth. That we need to know. Before Jesus comes again. That is very different of course. From the attitude. In which the disciples were found.

As Jesus talked to them on that day. I have many things to say to you. You can't bear them. He tried to talk about his cross. They couldn't take it in. He tried to talk about. The glory which should follow.

But they thought only in terms of a kingdom in this world. They couldn't take it in. And even at last. When he talked to them. About being baptized with the Holy Ghost. They said to him. Lord well. When are you going to restore the kingdom?

And then he had to say to them again. That the times and seasons don't worry about those. But you shall be baptized with power. After the Holy Ghost has come upon you. And he tries to initiate them into it.

It's so difficult. So hard. I find the same thing myself. Many and many a time people have come and said. Well. What is it you say about this. Being baptized with the Holy Ghost. What is it all about?

And you begin to explain. You try to make it clear. And all the time you're conscious that. They can't take it in. And you don't know what to do about it. Well the only thing that I've discovered. That really works.

Is to forget about. Trying to explain. And begin bombarding them with prayer. And after you've bombarded them for a few weeks. Well then they come again. And amazingly enough. You find that something has happened in the meantime.

God has been teaching them. Showing them. And in a wonderful way preparing them. And they can realize something. Of what you've experienced. And the thing about which the Word of God speaks. Now I'm sure that this.

Surely is in the purpose of God. And I'm positive that the area. Of truth. Into which the Spirit of God wants to lead us. Can never be exhausted. There's plenty there for everybody. And as this great territory opens up before us.

We are conscious surely. There is enough here to keep us going. Until Jesus comes again. Bless his name. Now I want you to notice. The trend. To which reference is made here. For he shall not speak of himself.

That means literally. Out from himself. He is not an independent deity. Who gives independent truth. There's nothing like that. About the working of the Holy Spirit. He listens in. To what the Father and the Son are saying.

And according to the promise of Jesus. What he hears. He will speak. This to me is an amazing thing about the Spirit of God. When I read the Old Testament. And see the way in which God raised up men. Perhaps one man in a generation.

Sure and there. To become a mouthpiece for himself. One Isaiah. One Daniel. One Ezekiel. And so on. And yet. Here is Pentecost. With its diffusion of power. What a glorious opportunity the Spirit of God has.

For disseminating truth. We would think. Now surely. He will come into his own. And will have an opportunity. Of telling out those things. Which he as God knows and possesses. But you see the way in which he goes about it.

Just as Jesus. Spoke only the things. Which his Father spoke. So the Spirit of God. Binds himself. In this age. In this tremendous. Time of grace. To what he hears. The Father and the Son speaking. And that only.

That is important. For us to remember too. There is still. A perfect cooperation. With the Father and the Son. Where he is concerned. And those things. That he hears. That shall he speak. Said the Lord Jesus.

Remember that was the claim of Jesus Christ wasn't it? In John 8 and 38 he said. I speak that. Which I have seen with my Father. John 15 and 15. Henceforth I call you not servants. But friends. For the servant knoweth not.

What his Lord doeth. But I have called you friends. For all things. That I have heard of my Father. I have made known. Unto you. So he is repeating. What he has heard the Father say. This is what he tells.

His disciples. And this is what the Spirit of God will do. There is no independent action here. And there ought not to be. In any of our attitude either. If we claim to be filled. With the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of God speaks. What he hears the Father and Son say. For the all things. Relate to the all things. Within the economy of redemption. The things that apply to you and me. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And he is confining his revelation. To those things. And how wise that is. You know there are certain men. Who try to go past that. And they want to fix dates and times. For the Lord's return for instance.

Going right against the teaching of Scripture. And they have a great following in some places. They want to go beyond. What the Spirit of God is prepared to say. But we have to be careful where this is concerned.

Remembering that there is a plan and a purpose. In what the Spirit of God does. Even in this time. Now the Holy Spirit has a voice. Whatsoever he shall hear. That shall he speak. It's amazing how many people take half that verse isn't it.

He shall guide you into all truth. There you are brother. Chapter and verse. It's here you know. Here it is. He'll guide you into all truth. This wonderful book of God. Praise the Lord. But don't put a full stop behind that.

Just put a comma there will you. But he goes on to say. And whatsoever he shall hear. That shall he speak. Now if he speaks. He must have a voice. And that voice is heard. It's heard in the book of Acts.

The Spirit’s Voice and the Authority of the Church

Acts 13 and verse 2. As they prayed and ministered and fasted. The Holy Ghost said. In such a way that they could hear him say. Separate unto me Barnabas and Saul. For the work of the ministry. Whereunto I have called them.

That was something positive. Something definite. Now there was nothing independent about that even. The Spirit of God called these men apart. The Spirit of God commissioned them. Sent them forth. But they didn't go awarding on their own charges.

They were still responsible to the church of Antioch. From which place. The Holy Spirit had sent them forth. And when they returned they were careful. To recite the things which had been done. And then they turned their faces toward Jerusalem.

And they acknowledged that there too. Was a place of authority. And were most happy to cooperate. With those apostles before them in Christ. That's very different from what we are seeing. In the dominion today.

In this so called freelance traveling ministry. To me it's a monstrosity. I can't find anything in the word of God. That supports the idea. That men can go off like that. Go off at a tangent. And because they've got some revelation from God.

Well then they can do what they like. Go where they please. And they're responsible to no one. If that is supporting the truth and principle. Of the body of Christ. Then I can't find any foundation for it.

In the word of God. We were talking about this in the Bible training center. Today as a matter of fact. And how necessary it is. That discipline should be applied. In every branch of Christian service.

And of Christian experience. And sure you'll find it so beautifully portrayed. Though the Holy Ghost said. Separate unto me Barnabas and Saul. They were still sent forth by the church at Antioch. And they returned.

And they gave their account of what had happened. And they acknowledged leadership in Jerusalem. They were not working as independents. But they were working as those who were interdependent. And members of the same body of Christ.

And I'm sure the Spirit of God. Wants us to see that too. In his leading and in his guiding. Now then there is divine revelation in this leading. Then there is divine reason in it. You have a reference to that in Acts 10 and verse 19.

And again verse 20. While Peter thought on the vision. The Spirit said unto him. Behold three men seek thee. Arise therefore and get thee down and go with them. Doubting nothing. For I have sent them.

I made reference to this some time ago. About the sheet let down from heaven. And the creatures that Peter saw. While he was in this trance. Or whatever it was. How he heard a voice saying to him. Peter arise and kill and eat.

He said not so Lord. You can't say not so and Lord in the same breath. If he is the Lord it must be so. Arise and kill and eat. Not so Lord he said. I've never touched anything common or unclean. And the Lord said to him.

What I've cleansed don't you call unclean. And while he pondered on this vision. The Spirit said unto him. Behold three men seek thee. Arise therefore and get thee down and go with them. Doubting nothing.

For he was still doubting. For I have sent them. When he got there what did he find? Three Gentiles looking for him and he was a Jew. And inviting him to come with them to the house of a Gentile. What an amazing thing.

Here you find Cornelius the Centurion. A man exercised greatly about the things of God. Who had been fasting and praying. And while he was in this attitude. God spoke to him by the Spirit. And told him to send these men.

To the house of one Simon the Tanner. To ask for Peter. And Peter was to come with them. And speak to him concerning the things of God. What a wonderful plan it is isn't it? The Spirit of God speaking to a man away over there.

And another man away over here. And then arranging things so beautifully. That at last they meet up. And they find that God has been leading them all the time. It is amazing. God is doing that kind of thing surely.

And this is the way in which he does it. Think of the circumstances of the vision. In which Peter found himself. Think of the challenge in it. Don't you call it common or unclean the Lord said? Why was God saying that?

Because he knew that if he hadn't. Peter would never have gone into the house where the Gentiles lived. And if he hadn't gone in there. And begun to speak to them. The Spirit of God would not have fallen upon them.

How wonderfully intricate is the interweaving of God's purpose. And how wonderfully God by his Spirit arranges things. That there is no mistake whatever to be made. You know it is contrary to Peter's reasoning as a man.

As an orthodox Jew. But there was a divine reason in all this guidance. Just the same. The leading is clear. But the interpretation is ours. We have to interpret the leading which the Spirit of God gives.

And just here. The responsibility becomes ours. And just at this point. Very often we fail. And we can and sometimes do. Make mistakes. The leading is clear. The responsibility is ours to interpret. What he has shown us in the Spirit.

And I don't think it is possible. That any one of us can ever understand. What God wants us to do. Unless we are first of all prepared to obey what he shows us. We've got to face it. God's ways are not unreasonable.

They are super reasonable. And they are super. Praise the Lord. God's movements are not according to our way of thinking. But he still moves by and through the Spirit with mathematical precision. But the mathematics are his.

And not ours. The leading of the Holy Spirit. Will never be in conflict with the lessons taught us in this Word of God. Every single principle which is enunciated here. Will be observed by the Holy Spirit.

And that is not guidance which cuts across the plain teaching of God's Word. Now, I knew a man in Australia. He was a very determined sort of fellow. Most of us call it stubbornness. But he called it strength of character.

But it all depends of course on how you view it. But he was determined for instance that he was going to go against the government. And although they tried to show him from the Word of God that it was contrary to the teachings of God's Word.

We were to honor those in authority. He said, well I'm not going to pay my taxes anyway. Well, some of the men said to him, you know what will happen if you don't. They'll put you in prison. If you don't pay.

And he said, that's alright. He said, I'm quite prepared to do that. He said, I've become a martyr for Christ's sake. That's how he regarded it. Well, he didn't pay his taxes. They put him in prison. And he thought of himself in that way.

A martyr for the cause of Christ. Nonsense. He was there because of his stubbornness. And God didn't get any glory out of it. Not at all. Now, when men say that the Spirit of God is leading them to do things like that.

I think it's presumption. It isn't faith. For the Spirit of God will never cause anyone to do anything. It will never bring embarrassment upon his work. Or upon his church. Surely, that's contrary to the reasoning of God.