Being Led by the Spirit

In Being Led by the Spirit, Michael E.B. Maher distinguishes between God’s permissible will (allowing believers to live without seeking His guidance) and His perfect will (prepared good works that require active pursuit). He emphasizes that New Covenant believers have the Holy Spirit residing within them, unlike Old Testament saints who relied on prophets, the Urim, and dreams for guidance.

The primary method of guidance under the New Covenant is the inward witness—the Holy Spirit bearing witness with the believer’s spirit, producing peace or unrest about decisions. This inward perception, strengthened through prayer, Scripture meditation, and praying in tongues, enables believers to discern God’s will. Dreams and visions still occur but are sporadic and not to be sought. Prophets today confirm what the Spirit has already revealed to the individual, not provide new guidance. The audible voice of God is rare and sovereign.

Maher warns against seeking signs (like Gideon’s fleece), consulting prophets for personal direction, or pursuing dreams, as these open believers to deception. Walking in known sin silences the Spirit’s guidance. The book contrasts old and new covenant practices, urging believers to develop sensitivity to the Spirit’s inner witness, renew their minds through God’s word, and wait patiently on the Lord for direction. Obedience to revealed guidance results in eternal reward.