Led by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh | January 11th, 2026 | River of God | Pastor Donald Gray

Led by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh | January 11th, 2026 | River of God | Pastor Donald GrayIn this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray teaches on the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 2:4–16 and John 14:15–16, this sermon confronts the difference between human effort and spiritual revelation—and why true faith must be led by the Spirit, not the flesh.Paul makes it clear that the gospel was never meant to rely on eloquence, personality, or intellectual strength. Instead, the message of Christ is confirmed through a demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Spiritual truth cannot be accessed by natural thinking alone; it is revealed only through the Spirit of God. Without the Spirit, the things of God appear foolish—but to those who are spiritual, God grants understanding and discernment.Jesus reinforces this truth in John 14 by connecting love, obedience, and the Holy Spirit. Obedience is not a requirement to earn God’s love—it is the evidence of it. And to those who love Him, Jesus promises the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who abides with believers and leads them into truth.Pastor Donald emphasizes that spiritual maturity requires dependence:Dependence on the Spirit, not human reasoningDependence on God’s power, not personal abilityDependence on obedience, not emotionThere is a clear divide between living by the flesh and being led by the Spirit. One relies on sight, logic, and control. The other walks by faith, revelation, and submission.This message reminds us:Faith must be anchored in God’s powerThe Spirit reveals what the natural mind cannot knowLove for Christ produces obedienceThe mind of Christ is accessed through the Holy SpiritIf you’ve been trying to follow God through effort alone, this message is a call to return to dependence. God has not left us to navigate life on our own—He has given us His Spirit to guide, teach, and lead us into truth.📖 Scripture Covered:1 Corinthians 2:4–16John 14:15–16🙌 Like, Share & SubscribeDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and sermons.🔔 Tap the bell icon to stay updated with new messages.📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel:River of God Channel🌐 Stay Connected:Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/ioxFB2Website: https://rogcc.com📍 Join us in person:River of God Christian Center110 Wolcott St, Brooklyn, NY 11231(Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY)🎯 Relevant Hashtags:#HolySpirit #1Corinthians2 #John14 #LedByTheSpirit #MindOfChrist #SpiritAndPower #ChristianTeaching #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray