Paul states that those who are influenced and guided by the Spirit have demonstrated that they are privileged to be identified as the children of God (Rom. 8:14). He is not suggesting that being guided by the Spirit is due to an increased level of spirituality on their part but simply indicating that those who are the children of God will be led by the Spirit of God; that is the Spirit’s decision and their delight. He is not affirming their righteousness, as the basis on which they may be presumed to deserve such personal guidance, but highlighting God’s righteousness, as a result of which he chooses to graciously guide (Ps. 23:3); it is not because of our goodness that he leads us but because of his. Having chosen us, the Spirit undertakes now to guide us.

The idea of the Spirit leading believers would have been significantly encouraging to Paul’s readers, many of whom previously would have experienced only coercion by malevolent forces, human or spiritual. For the Spirit of God to take the responsibility for leading them would have been a singularly welcome fact. Perhaps, some would have doubted Paul in making such a claim that God would lead them. The common presumption was that deities only guided a few, exceptional individuals, who deserved such personal attention and care. That the Spirit should lift a finger to touch their lives or point out the way ahead, tap them on their shoulder or take their hand and lead them gently in his way, whisper directions or guard them from the precipice, was a dream come true. Perhaps because of natural doubts that such concepts may have indicated presumption on their part, Paul does not reduce his enthusiasm in declaring the truth: children of God are led by the Spirit. Since they are the former, they should not be surprised at the latter, even though it is inexplicable and extraordinary that the Spirit willingly should choose so to do, and in such a warm, intimate and individual way.