God lives within us
Day 34
by Gini Crawford, MSW
The Holy Spirit in history
Jesus Christ is the foundation of God's love, but the Holy Spirit actively brings that love to dwell within us (Romans 5:5). Therefore, it's certainly time we took an in-depth look at the Holy Spirit in this section.
The Holy Spirit was very active in the Old Testament, but He didn't live within everyone, only a select few who God chose such as King David (1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 51:11, 139:7-10). The Holy Spirit would empower or fill people for special service such as the seventy with Moses (Numbers 11:24-29). Furthermore God's Spirit was in the midst of the nation of Israel at times but because of their sin He was grieved (Isaiah 63:7-14).
The Holy Spirit living within all God's people was promised in the Old Testament but made true in the New Testament because of Jesus. (Joel 2:28-29 also Acts 1:1-8, 2:1-18, 32-33). 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?"
Jesus' farewell message
Knowing His time had come to die, Jesus wanted His disciples to understand the depth of His love for them and for the world, a love that would last forever. At the Last Supper, as recorded in John chapters thirteen through seventeen, Jesus shared a farewell message. Here is a summary of these chapters: Jesus surprised His 12 disciples by washing their feet – a servant's job. Jesus then predicted His betrayal which no one understood except for the betrayer, Judas. Judas left to betray Jesus at this point. (John 13). Jesus announced He would be leaving them, which troubled His disciples greatly, so Jesus started encouraging them by giving details of heaven, clearly stating He is One with the Father, explaining the Holy Spirit, and so on. (John 14). Jesus ended His message with a concerned prayer for His disciples (and us), emphasizing His love for all who believe in Him. (John 17).
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them ... so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:20-26 ESV®
Little was understood about the Holy Spirit until Jesus' farewell message. Jesus in His message makes it clear that the triune God was going to literally live within His disciples and us forever. In a sense the Spirit would replace Jesus' presence on this earth – implying believers, would always have Jesus with them. Furthermore, the Spirit would teach and guide into all truth, and enlighten about Jesus and the Father. Jesus explains how the Spirit works on the minds of unbelievers convincing them that their unbelief is sin, and that righteousness and escape from judgement can only come from Him. I know it is hard to fathom why God would want to live in us, isn't it? Yet, it was His idea and His sacrifice that made it possible. (John 14:16-20, 25-26, 15:26-27, 16:5-15).
The Spirit enlightens
But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" — these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 ESV®
Looking at 1 Corinthians 2:9-14, it is clear the Holy Spirit enlightens us. This passage talks about the spiritual person who has the Holy Spirit, so has God's mindset. It stresses that the Spirit within us, reveals the many blessings God has prepared for us, and He gives us an understanding of God's truths. On the other hand, it contrasts this with the unspiritual person, lacking the Spirit and unable to grasp spiritual concepts. What the Spirit reveals to us, is definitely a faith builder.
Life Application
Jesus Who loves and serves us
During the last supper Jesus got up, took off His outer garments, wrapped a towel around His waist and poured water into a basin, all so He could wash His disciples feet. Read John 13:1-17. The hosts of heaven continually worship Jesus, seated on His throne, and cry out, "Holy, holy, holy", and fall down to worship Him as described in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Revelation. Considering this, it's even more astonishing that He would humbly lower Himself to wash dirty feet, performing a menial task as a servant, to show us how to be truly great in His kingdom. (Matthew 20:17-28). All of Jesus' actions as a man, demonstrate the depth of His love for us. Are you willing to serve and love the God Who loves and serves you?
Jesus had a great deal to say about the Holy Spirit because without Him, we would be left to our own devices; spiritually dead to God. Read John 14:16-20, 25-26, 15:26-27, 16:5-15 These passages contain Jesus' detailed explanation of the Holy Spirit. If you have time quickly read John chapters 13–17. What are your insights about the Holy Spirit from these passages?
Reading through Jesus' farewell chapters makes it clear that Jesus had watched over and protected His disciples when He was on the earth, as we would watch over our children or anyone we loved (John 17:11-12). When my three kids went to kindergarten, I was concerned about their safety and wellbeing. I had watched over each of them for nearly five years and now they were left to the world. For my two oldest, we lived right behind the kindergarten yard, so needless to say, when they were out playing I checked on them. Jesus had a heartfelt concern over leaving His disciples because He loved them as He loves us. So sending His Spirit to live within His disciples and us, makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
Reflect on Titus 3:3-7.