What happens when we’re full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit? Answer: it depends.

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”…And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry… And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. (Luke 3.21, 22…4.1, 2…14, 15, ESV, emphasis mine)

From a high:

• The Holy Spirit descended on him
• The Father blessed him
• He returned “full of the Holy Spirit”

To a low:

• Led by the Spirit in the wilderness for 40 days (say what?)
• Tempted by the devil
• Hungry

To a high:

• In the power of the Spirit
• Teaching
• Glorified by all

These few verses by themselves are enough to knock the “prosperity gospel” in the head. Jesus himself was not prosperous, and his life was not easy. There are those who say that God promises health and wealth to those who follow Jesus. Some people might say that, but none are in the Bible! More tomorrow. In the meantime, follow Jesus!

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them,… When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21.18 – 22, ESV)