Walking With the Holy Spirit: Part 2

Following last week's sermon "Walking With the Holy Spirit" delivered by Pastor Sam Merigala at Grace Gospel church on May 18, 2025, this week (May 25, 2025) we will continue looking into the key concepts of part 2 regarding a believer's relationship with the Holy Spirit.

The central theme explored in this sermon is the apparent struggle many believers face in hearing or sensing the Holy Spirit, despite the conviction that He is always speaking. Pastor Sam posits that the issue is not God's absence, as He never leaves His children, but rather a lack of awareness or diminished spiritual sensitivity in believers. Various "spiritual barriers" are identified as hindering this ability to sense and follow the Holy Spirit.

One significant barrier discussed is the pervasive noise and distractions of the world, including social media, television, and endless entertainment. This external clamor makes it difficult to be "still" and listen, as Psalm 46:10 encourages. The Holy Spirit is described as often speaking in a gentle whisper, a voice easily missed amidst life's loudness.

Another major barrier is unbelief. Pastor Sam indicates that many people wrongly believe that hearing from the Holy Spirit is reserved only for specific individuals like pastors, prophets, or those they perceive as "super spiritual". This is presented as a lie, directly contradicted by Jesus' words in John 10:27, which state that His sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and they follow Him. The implication is that if someone belongs to Christ, He is speaking to them, but a lack of expectation due to unbelief prevents them from hearing.

Sin is also highlighted as a barrier. While sin does not remove God's love, it affects our ability to hear Him. Isaiah 59:2 is cited, stating that iniquities separate people from God and hide His face, preventing Him from hearing. This is explained not as God rejecting the believer, but rather sin creating "spiritual static" that obscures His voice.

Pastor Sam lists pride and self-reliance as hindrances to the Holy Spirit's leading. Proverbs 3:5 is advising us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on one's own understanding. When individuals believe they can manage life independently, they tend to disregard the Holy Spirit's guidance and rely on logic instead of revelation.

Spiritual inconsistency is another common struggle. This involves seeking the Holy Spirit only during times of desperate need or trials, neglecting Him in periods of comfort. The sermon uses the analogy of a friendship where communication only occurs when something is needed, illustrating that such a relationship cannot grow. Walking with the Holy Spirit, conversely, requires daily communion, not just occasional visits.

Drawing on the insights of C.S. Lewis, the sermon points to the "curious assumption" that "my time is my own" as a significant barrier. This mindset leads believers to compartmentalize their spiritual lives, allocating limited time to God while keeping the majority for personal use. Pastor Sam argues that true communion requires surrendering the concept of "my time" and recognizing that every moment belongs to God. Viewing all 24 hours as sacred opportunities for communion, rather than just occasional appointments, is presented as breaking down a major barrier to consistent spiritual growth.

In the sermon, fear of surrender is also discussed as preventing full embrace of the Holy Spirit. Some resist because they fear losing control or that God might ask them to give up comforts, relationships, or personal plans. The source counters this by stating that God's plans are always superior, and He removes what hinders us, replacing it with something better.

Past wounds and disappointments can also create barriers. Individuals who have felt unheard in prayer or faced painful circumstances might build walls around their hearts, assuming God is distant because things did not go as hoped. The Holy Spirit is presented as a healer and comforter, eager to restore trust and bring healing to these wounds.

Emotional dependency is another challenge. Many experience spiritual highs during worship services or significant life events, but their connection fades when emotions subside. The issue is not God's withdrawal but a lack of understanding about how to maintain connection. Walking with the Holy Spirit is described as a relationship based on consistent interaction and trust, not merely rituals or emotions. Regular time spent with Him increases sensitivity to His leading, voice, and presence.

Furthermore, the struggle often begins the moment one wakes up, as personal wishes and hopes rush in, requiring intentional effort to quiet them and listen to "that other voice," allowing a "larger stronger quieter life" to flow in. Walking with the Holy Spirit is fundamentally about orientation – choosing which voice to prioritize throughout the day. It's a reorientation of attention and priorities. The Holy Spirit is always present and speaking, but requires intentional effort to quiet competing voices and turn attention to Him.

Pastor Sam outlines ten "keys" to cultivating a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit. These are presented as practical steps:

1. Surrender: Starting the day by praying for the Holy Spirit to take control of thoughts, words, and actions. This simple act aligns the heart with God's direction before distractions arise.
2. Deep Prayer: Understanding prayer as a two-way conversation that includes listening, not just asking for things. Giving time to be still in prayer helps His voice become clearer.
3. Immersing in Scripture: Recognizing that the Holy Spirit brings the Word to life, providing wisdom and revelation. John 14:26 is cited, where Jesus says the Holy Spirit will teach and remind of His words. Filling one's heart with scripture allows the Holy Spirit to guide more effectively.
4. Worship: Viewing worship as more than just singing, but as an invitation for the Holy Spirit's presence. Psalm 22:3 notes God inhabiting the praises of His people. Worship is said to shift the atmosphere, remove distractions, and center the spirit on God.
5. Obedience: Acting on the nudges or directions received from the Holy Spirit. Pastor Sam states that the more one obeys, the clearer His voice becomes. Following promptings, even small ones like praying for someone, strengthens the connection. Obedience is highlighted as a key to hearing Him clearly, as ignoring previous instructions can make His voice feel distant.
6. Spiritual Awareness: Maintaining consciousness of the Holy Spirit's presence throughout the entire day, not just during dedicated spiritual times. This involves pausing before decisions or reactions to ask for His guidance and help. This habit keeps the spirit aligned with Him continually. Recognizing His presence at work, in conversations, and during anxiety moments makes His presence more real.
7. Intentional Spiritual Growth: Actively pursuing the relationship with effort, similar to any close relationship. This includes setting aside dedicated time, fasting when feeling spiritually dull, surrounding oneself with supportive believers, and avoiding negative influences. Prioritizing the Holy Spirit is key to the relationship flourishing.
8. Journaling: Recording what the Holy Spirit speaks or instances of breakthrough. This helps in remembering God's leading over time, strengthening faith and deepening the relationship.
9. Accountability: Not walking the spiritual journey alone. Surrounding oneself with spirit-filled believers provides encouragement, challenge, and prayer support, which strengthens spiritual sensitivity. Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron," is used to illustrate how walking with others seeking God fuels one's own hunger.
10. Expecting God to Speak Daily: Cultivating the belief that the Holy Spirit speaks every day, not just in major moments. This expectation encourages listening for divine direction in small decisions, wisdom in conversations, and peace in difficult moments. Expecting Him to move leads to seeing Him work more in life.

Beyond these keys to daily relationship, the sermon provides guidance on recognizing the Holy Spirit's voice amidst other influences like one's own thoughts, emotions, or external sources. The truth is that God is always speaking; the challenge is our listening. The Holy Spirit speaks through various means beyond dramatic encounters, including peace, promptings, scripture, godly counsel, and confirmations. Not recognizing His voice can lead to confusion, doubt, or unnecessary struggles.

The sermon provides ways to recognize His voice include:

1. Alignment with Scripture: The Holy Spirit's guidance never contradicts God's written word. John 16:13 reinforces this by stating the Spirit of truth guides into all truth. If a message conflicts with biblical truth, it is not from the Holy Spirit.
2. Peace, Not Pressure: His guidance is accompanied by peace, even amidst difficult decisions. In contrast, the enemy uses confusion, fear, and urgency. Colossians 3:15 is cited, emphasizing letting the peace of Christ rule in hearts. Peace serves as a sign of His direction.
3. Repetition: The Holy Spirit often confirms His message multiple times through different avenues like scripture, sermons, or conversations. What might seem like coincidence is often divine confirmation.
4. Godly Counsel: Seeking wisdom from mature believers with a strong relationship with God when uncertain about a decision. Proverbs 11:14 highlights the benefit of multiple advisers.
5. Conviction, Not Condemnation: The Holy Spirit corrects in love, drawing people back to God. The enemy condemns, instilling shame and hopelessness. Romans 8:1 states there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. A voice that brings guilt and despair is not from God; one that corrects in love, leading to repentance and restoration, is from the Holy Spirit.
6. Divine Interruptions: The Holy Spirit can redirect through sudden urges, like praying for someone, avoiding danger, or taking a step of faith. These unexpected moments are presented as ways He guides. He speaks through simple impressions, inner nudges, and divine interruptions. Bringing someone to mind or placing a verse in one's heart unexpectedly are examples.
7. Dreams and Visions: While not every dream is from God, scripture confirms He uses them. Joel 2:28 is referenced, speaking of sons and daughters prophesying and old men dreaming dreams. If a dream seems significant, it should be compared to scripture and confirmation sought.
8. An Inner Knowing: A deep conviction or strong sense of certainty placed in one's heart that goes beyond logic or human reasoning. Romans 8:16 states that the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Training one's spiritual ears to hear the Holy Spirit clearly comes through consistent time spent in prayer, worship, and stillness, much like recognizing a voice in a crowd requires familiarity.

The ultimate goal is a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, making Him an integrated part of daily life, not just confined to church services or emotional moments. His presence is constant; the key is increasing our awareness. Walking with Him means making Him the foundation of everything, inviting Him into daily decisions, work, and struggles. Starting the day with surrender, recognizing His presence throughout, inviting Him into every decision, creating a welcoming atmosphere, developing gratitude, keeping one's heart pure by dealing with sin, talking to Him constantly, and listening for His guidance in unexpected ways are all part of this.

Allowing the Holy Spirit to change desires is another crucial step. Rather than taking away dreams, He transforms them, replacing what is not from Him with something better, aligning desires with God's will as Philippians 2:13 suggests. Trusting that He is always working, even when not felt, is vital, as faith is based on truth, not feelings. He is present and working even in silence.

Inviting the Holy Spirit into daily life is summarized not as doing more tasks, but as being more aware of His constant presence, leading, and guiding. Acknowledging Him leads to walking in His power, wisdom, and presence. When one truly surrenders daily, life becomes less controlled by emotions, circumstances, or human limitations, stepping into a "supernatural way of living" experiencing God's Presence, Power, and wisdom in all areas. Walking with the Holy Spirit is ultimately about living in Divine purpose, clarity, and strength, not just avoiding sin.