Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

God promised to give us this Spirit as a seal or pledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13

The Spirit that dwells in us has specific jobs

  • Gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11)
  • Aids in putting to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13)
  • Leads us (Romans 8:14)
  • Testifies of our adoption (Romans 8:16)
  • Strengthens the inner man (Ephesians 3:16)
  • Knowing that the Spirit is housed in us gives us motivation to preserve a holy body (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:8)
  • To make consistent (Galatians 3:2-5) [note: may not refer to the indwelling Spirit]

How do we know the Spirit dwells in us?

  • Keeping His commandments is equivalent to the Spirit abiding in us (1 John 3:24)
  • Loving one another is equivalent to being given the Spirit. (1 John 4:13)

Do we have any control over the indwelling Spirit?

  • We should endeavor to be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
  • Ask for the Spirit (Luke 11:13)

Sometimes the jobs of the Spirit are not specific to the indwelling Spirit.

  • Assist in prayer (Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18)
  • Provide access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)
  • Sanctify (1 Peter 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
  • Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
  • Lead (Galatians 5:18)
  • Give hope (Galatians 5:5)
  • Distribute miraculous powers (1 Corinthians 12:7)