The leading of the spirit. The role of the mind.
Dr. Abel Damina, a well-known pastor and teacher, often teaches extensively on topics like the leading of the Spirit and the role of the mind in the believer’s life. Here’s a summary of his general perspective on these two areas based on his teachings:
1. The Leading of the Spirit:
Dr. Abel Damina emphasizes that the believer is led primarily by the Spirit of God, which is already united with the believer’s spirit at salvation. According to him:
- The Spirit leads through the Word of God. The Scriptures are the primary way God communicates His will.
- The Holy Spirit does not lead through feelings, circumstances, or signs but through knowledge and understanding of the Word.
- Romans 8:14 (“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”) refers to the inward witness that aligns with the written Word.
- Being led by the Spirit involves allowing the Word of Christ to dwell richly in you, so your decisions and actions flow from revelation knowledge.
2. The Role of the Mind:
Dr. Damina teaches that the mind plays a crucial role in aligning with the Spirit. Key points include:
- The mind must be renewed by the Word (Romans 12:2). Without a renewed mind, a believer will struggle to discern the will of God.
- The believer’s mind processes the knowledge of Christ and allows for the expression of the life of God from the spirit to the physical realm.
- Wrong thinking leads to wrong believing, and wrong believing leads to wrong living. Therefore, mental transformation is essential.
- The Spirit enlightens the mind through the Word, so your thoughts, decisions, and actions reflect the nature of God.
Summary of the Relationship:
In Dr. Damina’s view, the Spirit supplies the life and the direction, and the mind executes it through understanding. So, a believer led by the Spirit will always be a believer whose mind is saturated with sound doctrine and truth from Scripture.
