Mark Vestal Supporter Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

The guidance of the Spirit today comes from God's written Word (the Bible). Spiritual growth occurs as one reads and studies scripture, which was authored by the Spirit.

All scripture is profitable for gaining instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16) and for recognizing the false doctrine that we encounter in this "present evil world" (Gal 1:4). We can easily be led astray without an understanding of biblical truths and the renewing of our spiritual minds daily:

Eph 4:14
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

Rom 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

2 Tim 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The issue of a Christian visiting a temple would not be grounds for any punishment by God (Jesus Christ on the cross took care of that). The issue is the subjection the Christian is placing themselves into with something contrary to the gospel of God's grace and Christ crucified, by which we are saved through having faith in. Anything else would be to allow a potential attack on our faith.

2 Cor 6:14-18
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

Eph 6:10-20
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
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."

May 20 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Good question Venkatesan!
How important is the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the day-to-day living of saved ones?
For instance, take the issue: Can a saved, Hindu by birth, accompany his relatives to a temple? The church may prohibit this in principle. (Roman Catholics after salvation, will face similar issues.)
John 16:13)

First, see the big picture:

Jesus speaks of the Counselor (the Holy Spirit) who will come to them from the Father (John 16:5-15). 

1. The prerequisite (Jn 16:5-7): Jesus says that unless he goes away, the Holy Spirit will not come. 
2. The purpose (Jn 16:8-15): He will come to accomplish a fourfold purpose. 
a. To convict sinners (Jn 16:8-10) 
b. To condemn Satan (Jn 16:11) 
c. To counsel saints (Jn 16:12-13) 
d. To champion the Savior (Jn 16:14-15) -- Harold Wilmington outline

I see your dilemma, though. Here are some clear biblical principles (the “all truth” the Spirit guides us into):

God alone is to be worshiped; idolatry is forbidden (Exodus 20:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:14 -- “Flee from idolatry”). Believers must flee idolatry and not participate in worship that compromises exclusive loyalty to Christ (1 Cor 10:14-22).

We cannot participate in anything that honors false gods or demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-21 -- “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons”).

Yet we are called to love family, honor parents (where it does not contradict God), and maintain relationships for the gospel’s sake (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Ephesians 6:2; 1 Peter 3:1-2 on winsome witness).

Again, believers must flee idolatry and not participate in worship that compromises exclusive loyalty to Christ (1 Cor 10:14-22).

Yet they are to honor family, seek peace, and live missionally among unbelievers without sharing in their sin (Rom 12:18; 1 Cor 9:19-23).

They must guard weaker consciences from stumbling and avoid sending a false signal that idols are acceptable (1 Cor 8; 10:23-33).

I can't tell you what to do, however. You must make your own decision before God. Ask Him. He will guide you! Assisted by AI

23 hours ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report