Proof of the Indwelling Spirit
What proof do the faithful have that the Spirit dwells in them? John proposes that we have proof when we have selfless love (1 John 4:13). Paul asserts that this type of love is deposited in the faithful by the Spirit (Romans 5:5). Outsiders do not have it, so they have trouble understanding both Jesus’ time on earth and the motives of the faithful, compounded by the English verb being applied to bacon.
What proof do the faithful have that the Spirit dwells in them? We know when, “by the Spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body.” (Romans 8:13) Everyone has a different set of persistent bad habits which we have tried repeatedly to defeat, but failed. Many simply accept that, in the words of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird, “I can’t change.” But, if we “endeavor to be fulfilled in the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), stuff happens and then we know.
What proof do the faithful have that the Spirit dwells in them? 2 Corinthians 3:18 promises that the Spirit transforms the faithful during life on earth. From the context, the Spirit gives us understanding and a parade of positive character traits (glory). When the Scriptures miraculously shift from confusing and obscure to plain and applicable, the Spirit has been at work. When troublesome foibles, overt or covert, mysteriously go away, the Spirit is letting you know that your faith has made you acceptable.
What proof do the faithful have that the Spirit dwells in them? Galatians 4:6 promises that God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying “Abba, Father.” What is most important to us about God? Do we respond to His power? Authority? Wisdom? Potential for a handout or a blind eye? If the Spirit dwells in us, He is Dad. Those from dysfunctional families may lack the hook of the illustration, so we learn by observation rather than experience. The family connection is the key to confident expectation and successful life.
What proof do the faithful have that the Spirit dwells in them? Galatians 5:5 promises that the faithful, “through the Spirit, eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” A product of faith is the indwelling Spirit who promotes an eager and confident anticipation of acceptance both now and in the last day. Those lacking eagerness or confidence either do not have or have shut down the work of the Spirit. Those who are eager to leave and confident of the result have proof that their faith is acceptable.
What proof do the faithful have that the Spirit dwells in them? Galatians 5:22 – 23 lists nine character traits that are the fruit of the Spirit. Certainly, some people are naturally kind or patient or gentle or self-disciplined. Paul wrote about the package, not the components. When the traits that were in short supply have a growth spurt to bring them up to the natural ones, then all of them continue to mature together through unforeseen territory, the presence of the Spirit is validated.
What proof do the faithful have that the Spirit dwells in them? God promised the faithful that they would be “strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.” (Ephesians 3:16) I suspect that everyone has a weakness or two, some more hidden than others. Sometimes we overcome by self-discipline. Those weaknesses that remain tend to be excused or disguised. But after enough failures to convince ourselves that this one is insurmountable, when the strength inexplicably appears, we have evidence that the Spirit has taken up residence.
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