Friday, June 1, 2007
Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
INDWELLING SPIRIT
When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. And, though there was no visible dove-like form, the Spirit of God came to you in your baptism. While Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry and your baptism came at the beginning of your new life as a child of God -- one thing was true of the Spirit in both cases: He came, not just for the moment, but to stay.
The Holy Spirit did not leave Jesus as He carried out His redeeming work on behalf of us sinners. The Holy Spirit does not leave us believers as we live out our faith in Jesus. And since the center of our problem as human beings is the heart, that's exactly where the Spirit of God takes up residence. We have an allegiance problem and He is here to help. In fact, Jesus calls Him our great Helper. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever" (John 14:16).
Remember this when Satan's temptations appeal to your flesh. The Spirit of God is right there to strengthen the "new you" (New Man) by calling to mind the Word of God -- especially the Word about Christ's victory. There's power for living as Christ's own. Satan is not Lord. In this world the sinful flesh is ever with us, but it is not in charge in our lives. And no false god the world can invent can intimidate or enthrall us; for the Spirit continually bears witness that we belong to Jesus (Rom 8:16).
Holy Spirit, all divine,
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol-throne,
Reign supreme, and reign alone.
(The Lutheran Hymnal 234:5)
