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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 2619 min read

How Are We to Understand the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Early Church


The work of the Holy Spirit in the early church was marked by a powerful and unique outpouring of spiritual gifts and guidance. This period was characterized by miraculous signs and wonders that served to establish the authority of the apostles and the authenticity of their message. The presence of the Holy Spirit was manifest in various ways, particularly through the extraordinary events that took place on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4: "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance."


This miraculous event fulfilled the promise made by Jesus in Acts 1:8, where He stated, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." The primary purpose of this outpouring was to empower the apostles to be effective witnesses of Christ, spreading the gospel message across various regions.



The Holy Spirit’s Role in Revelation


The Holy Spirit played an indispensable role in the revelation of God's Word to humanity. The apostles and prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak and write the Scriptures. In 2 Peter 1:20-21, we read, "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." This divine inspiration ensured that the Scriptures were accurate, authoritative, and inerrant, serving as the ultimate guide for believers throughout history.


Guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Apostolic Age


The Holy Spirit's guidance was not limited to the miraculous events like Pentecost but extended to directing the apostles and early church leaders in their ministry. Acts 13:2-4 records an instance of this divine guidance: "While they were ministering to Jehovah and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus." This passage illustrates how the Holy Spirit directly influenced the decisions and actions of the apostles, guiding them in their missionary endeavors and ensuring the spread of the gospel.


The Ceasing of Miraculous Gifts


The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing, were distinctive features of the first-century church. These gifts served as signs to unbelievers and as means of edification for the church. However, it is crucial to understand that these gifts were not intended to be permanent. The apostle Paul indicates in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 that these gifts would cease once "the perfect" had come, which many interpret as the completion of the New Testament canon: "Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away with." The purpose of these gifts was to establish the church and confirm the message of the apostles.


The Work of the Holy Spirit Today


With the completion of the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit has shifted from performing miraculous signs to working through the inspired Scriptures. Today, the Holy Spirit guides, sanctifies, and empowers believers through the Word of God. As Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." The Scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit, provide the necessary guidance and instruction for believers to live godly lives.



Understanding the Concept of the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit


The concept of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has been a topic of theological discussion for centuries. It is essential to clarify that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit does not mean that the Holy Spirit literally resides within the physical body of the believer in a charismatic sense. Rather, the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer through the influence and guidance of the Spirit-inspired Word of God.


Romans 8:9 states, "However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." This passage emphasizes that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is a sign of their belonging to Christ. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit signifies God's continual presence and guidance in the believer's life, leading them in righteousness and truth.


The Holy Spirit and Sanctification


The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the process of sanctification, which is the ongoing transformation of the believer into the image of Christ. This transformation occurs as the Holy Spirit works through the Scriptures to renew the believer's mind and cultivate godly character. 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes this process: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of Jehovah, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from Jehovah, the Spirit." The renewal of the mind, as mentioned in Romans 12:2, is a key aspect of sanctification: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."


The process of sanctification is a lifelong journey for the believer, involving continual growth in holiness and Christlikeness. This growth is facilitated by the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life, guiding them to apply the truths of Scripture and live in obedience to God's commands.



The Fruit of the Spirit


The evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer is seen in the development of the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." These qualities are not produced by human effort alone but are the result of the Holy Spirit's transforming work in the believer's heart and mind.


The fruit of the Spirit is a reflection of the character of Christ, and as believers grow in their relationship with God, these qualities become more evident in their lives. The development of the fruit of the Spirit is an ongoing process that requires the believer to live in obedience to the Word of God and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and transform them.


Spiritual Gifts Today


While the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased, the Holy Spirit continues to bestow spiritual gifts upon believers for the edification of the church. These gifts, described in passages such as Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, include teaching, encouragement, leadership, mercy, and others. These gifts are given to build up the body of Christ and to equip believers for ministry.


Each believer is endowed with spiritual gifts that are to be used for the common good of the church. These gifts vary from person to person, but all are essential for the proper functioning of the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to use their gifts effectively, enabling them to serve others and to fulfill their God-given roles within the church.


The Holy Spirit’s Guidance Through the Scriptures


The primary way the Holy Spirit guides believers today is through the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Word of God provides direction, wisdom, and insight for living a godly life. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, helping believers to understand and apply its teachings to their lives.


In addition to guiding believers through the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit also prompts and leads them in their daily walk with God. This guidance is not through an inner voice or mystical experience but through a deepening understanding of God's Word and its application to various life situations.


The Assurance of Salvation


One of the significant roles of the Holy Spirit is to provide assurance of salvation to believers. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God." This inner testimony gives believers confidence in their relationship with God and their eternal security in Christ. The assurance of salvation is not based on subjective feelings or experiences but on the objective truth of God's Word, which the Holy Spirit affirms in the believer's heart.


The Holy Spirit’s Role in Prayer


The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in assisting believers in prayer. Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." This passage highlights the Holy Spirit's intercession on behalf of believers, particularly in times of weakness or uncertainty.


The Holy Spirit's role in prayer is not to give believers new words or thoughts but to align their prayers with the will of God as revealed in Scripture. The Holy Spirit helps believers to pray according to God's will, ensuring that their prayers are effective and aligned with God's purposes.



The Role of the Church in Perseverance


While the believer is called to persevere, this perseverance is not achieved through human effort alone. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and sustaining the believer through the Word of God. The Spirit does not indwell the believer in the charismatic sense but works through the Scriptures to illuminate the mind and heart, enabling the believer to understand and apply God’s Word.


In times of uncertainty, the Holy Spirit provides guidance through God's Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." As we pray for direction, it is crucial to seek wisdom from the Scriptures and trust in God's guidance. This active engagement with God's Word helps us navigate life's uncertainties.


The church also plays a vital role in the believer’s perseverance. The community of believers provides accountability, encouragement, and instruction, helping one another to remain steadfast in the faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." The church is a place where believers can confess their sins to one another, pray for one another (James 5:16), and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).


The mutual love and support within the body of Christ not only help believers persevere but also testify to the reality of the Gospel. As Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).


The Holy Spirit’s Guidance Through the Law


The Holy Spirit guides believers through the law given in the Old Testament. Psalm 119:11 states, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." This verse highlights the importance of internalizing Scripture to receive guidance and avoid sin. Just as seeking direction in life involves studying God’s commandments, praying for guidance requires actively engaging with and applying the teachings of the law.



The Holy Spirit’s Comfort in the Psalms


The Psalms are a rich source of comfort inspired by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 34:18 offers reassurance: "Jehovah is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." This verse reflects God’s comforting presence in times of distress. Engaging with the Psalms allows us to experience the Holy Spirit’s comfort, much like actively seeking God’s guidance through prayer and study provides solace and direction.


The Holy Spirit’s Conviction Through the Prophets


The prophets were inspired by the Holy Spirit to convict Israel of their sins and call them to repentance. Micah 6:8 reminds us, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does Jehovah require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" This prophetic call to action highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting and guiding believers toward righteous living through Scripture.


The Holy Spirit’s Empowerment in Leadership


The Holy Spirit empowers leaders to serve and guide God’s people. In Judges 6:34, we read, "But the Spirit of Jehovah clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him." The Spirit’s empowerment of Gideon illustrates the active role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to fulfill their God-given tasks. Similarly, our prayers for guidance and strength should be accompanied by actions rooted in Scripture.


Emphasizing the Role of the Holy Spirit


Understanding how we receive illumination and guidance from God is rooted in the inspired, inerrant Word of God. According to 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, the process involves more than merely acquiring a mental grasp of biblical truths; it requires embracing these truths as divinely revealed. The expressions "does not accept," "folly," and "not able to understand" highlight how unbelievers critique and reject divine revelation. This passage does not imply that unbelievers are incapable of understanding the Bible's content; rather, they view it as foolishness. Christians, however, are guided by having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), achieved through being biblically minded. This necessitates a careful analysis of the Bible's genres, historical context, and language, employing the conservative, objective historical-grammatical method of interpretation while avoiding the speculative fallacies of modern biblical criticism.


John 14:16-17; 16:13 Fallacy


The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in counseling, providing guidance, comfort, and conviction through the Spirit-inspired Word of God. We are guided when we act on behalf of our prayers by digging into the Scriptures and determining what the authors meant by the words they used. To illustrate, if we were praying for a job but never went out and filled out job applications, how would God feel about our prayers? If we were praying about the shame we feel over something, yet we never investigated what the Scriptures had to say about shame so as to apply them, how would God feel about our prayer?



The Work of the Holy Spirit


Introduction


Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit is essential for grasping how God operates in the world and in the lives of believers. This chapter explores the nature, purpose, and scope of the Holy Spirit's work, as described in Scripture, emphasizing His role in guiding believers through the Word of God rather than through a charismatic indwelling.


The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament


The Holy Spirit's work in the Old Testament is often seen in acts of creation and empowerment for specific tasks. Genesis 1:2 (UASV) states, "The earth was without form and empty, and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Here, the Holy Spirit is depicted as active in creation, bringing order out of chaos.


In the lives of individuals, the Holy Spirit came upon people to empower them for specific roles. For example, in Judges 6:34 (UASV), "But the Spirit of Jehovah came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him." This empowerment was often temporary and task-specific, differing from the New Testament's more continuous and ongoing guidance through Scripture.


The Holy Spirit in the New Testament


The Holy Spirit's role in the New Testament expands significantly. He is involved in the conception of Jesus (Luke 1:35, UASV), the anointing of Jesus for His ministry (Luke 4:18, UASV), and the resurrection of Jesus (Romans 8:11, UASV). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is integral to the birth of the church at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, UASV), empowering the apostles and early believers for witness and ministry. However, it is crucial to understand that this empowerment was for specific tasks and periods, with a focus on the Spirit's work through the Word of God in the lives of believers.


The Holy Spirit’s Work in Conviction


One of the key works of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. John 16:8-11 (UASV) states, "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged."


This convicting work is essential for leading individuals to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It is through the preaching and teaching of the gospel that the Holy Spirit works to convict individuals of their need for a Savior. This conviction is not through a mystical indwelling but through the powerful influence of the Spirit-inspired Scriptures.


The Holy Spirit’s Role in Regeneration


Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit in giving new life to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Titus 3:5 (UASV) explains, "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." This regeneration is a spiritual rebirth, making believers new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, UASV). The Holy Spirit accomplishes this work through the Word of God, which brings about the new birth (1 Peter 1:23, UASV).



The Influence of the Holy Spirit


Rather than a literal indwelling, the Holy Spirit influences believers through the Scriptures, guiding, teaching, and reminding them of all that Jesus has taught. The apostle Paul highlights this in 1 Corinthians 6:19 (UASV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" This should be understood as the Spirit's influence through the Word of God, rather than a physical or mystical indwelling. The believer's body is a temple in the sense that it is dedicated to God and under the Spirit's guidance through Scripture.


The Holy Spirit’s Role in Sanctification


Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, being set apart for God’s purposes. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (UASV) states, "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth." The Holy Spirit works in the believer to produce spiritual growth and maturity, transforming them into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29, UASV). This sanctification process is accomplished through the Spirit's work in the Word, not through an indwelling presence.


The Holy Spirit’s Role in Empowerment


The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and ministry. Acts 1:8 (UASV) states, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." This empowerment should be understood as the strength, courage, and wisdom provided by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, enabling believers to fulfill the Great Commission and live lives that honor God.


The Fruit of the Spirit


The fruit of the Spirit is the visible evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a believer. Galatians 5:22-23 (UASV) states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." These characteristics reflect the moral and spiritual transformation that the Holy Spirit produces in believers as they live in obedience to the Word of God. The development of these fruits is a result of the Spirit's influence through the Scriptures.



The Gifts of the Spirit


The Holy Spirit also bestows spiritual gifts upon believers for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (UASV) describes these gifts: "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills."


These gifts were particularly active in the early church for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. While the miraculous gifts have ceased with the completion of the New Testament, the Spirit continues to equip believers with non-miraculous gifts today, used for the edification of the church and the service of others.



The Comforter and Advocate


The Holy Spirit is described as the Comforter and Advocate, providing support and guidance to believers. John 14:16-17 (UASV) records Jesus’ promise: "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." This comforting and guiding presence of the Holy Spirit is experienced through His work in illuminating and applying the Scriptures to the believer’s life, not through a physical indwelling but through the Spirit's ongoing influence through the Word.



Understanding the Role and Work of the Holy Spirit


Blasphemy Against the Spirit


Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a subject of deep interest and concern for many. Some fear they may have unknowingly committed this unforgivable sin, causing them significant distress. However, such concerns are generally unfounded. A person who has actually committed this sin would not feel alarmed about it; indeed, he would be the last to feel concern over it.


To understand this sin, one must examine the context provided in the twelfth chapter of Matthew. Jesus was under relentless scrutiny by the Pharisees, who were determined to find a way to put Him to death. They exaggerated and criticized His every action.


One Sabbath day, as Jesus and His disciples walked through a field of corn, His disciples plucked and ate some of the corn. Immediately, the Pharisees accused them of violating the Sabbath. Another incident involved Jesus healing a man with a withered hand, which led the Pharisees to plot His destruction. They brought to Jesus a man possessed by a demon, rendering him blind and mute. Jesus healed him, so the man could both see and speak. The Jews traditionally viewed the casting out of demons as a direct work of the Spirit of God. The people were amazed and began to proclaim Jesus as the Son of David, the Messiah. However, the Pharisees, unable to deny the miracle, attributed it to Beelzebub, the prince of demons.


These incidents reveal the Pharisees' deliberate rejection of all evidence that contradicted their plan to kill Jesus. They had already made up their minds and were not open to any testimony, no matter how convincing. Jesus responded to them by explaining, "If it is by Beelzebub that I cast out demons, then Satan is divided against himself. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Matthew 12:28, UASV). He further warned them, "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:31-32, UASV).


The caution Jesus gave the Pharisees indicates that they were in grave danger of committing this sin. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit involves a willful, persistent rejection of the Spirit's work and testimony through the Scriptures. When a person reaches a state of such hardened resistance, he becomes impervious to repentance and forgiveness.


The Fruit of the Spirit


The work of the Holy Spirit is evident in the transformation of a believer's character. The apostle Paul, in Galatians 5:22-23 (UASV), describes the fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." These qualities are the natural outcome of living in alignment with the Spirit's guidance through the Scriptures.


The development of the fruit of the Spirit involves a cooperative process between the believer and the Holy Spirit. The believer must actively choose to walk according to the Spirit's influence, allowing the Word of God to shape thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This ongoing transformation results in a life that increasingly reflects the character of Christ.


The apostle Paul provides practical advice on how to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. In Romans 12:2 (UASV), he writes, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." This renewal of the mind occurs through the study of Scripture, prayer, and obedience to God's Word.


The Holy Spirit and Christian Living


Living a Spirit-guided life involves more than just avoiding sin; it requires the active pursuit of righteousness. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in a way that honors God by guiding them through the Scriptures. In Ephesians 4:22-24 (UASV), Paul instructs believers to "lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."


The new self, created in the likeness of God, is characterized by righteous and holy living. This transformation is not achieved by human effort alone but through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit as He applies the truths of Scripture to the believer's life. As believers submit to the Spirit's leading, they experience victory over sinful habits and develop Christlike qualities.


The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer


The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's prayer life. Romans 8:26-27 (UASV) states, "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." The Spirit's intercession ensures that the believer's prayers align with God's will, bringing comfort and assurance.


Additionally, Ephesians 6:18 (UASV) encourages believers to "pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." Praying in the Spirit involves seeking the Spirit's guidance through the Scriptures and empowerment in prayer, resulting in effective and fervent communication with God.


Assurance and Guidance from the Holy Spirit


The Holy Spirit provides believers with assurance of their salvation. Romans 8:16 (UASV) declares, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God." This inner testimony gives believers confidence in their relationship with God and their eternal security in Christ. This assurance is grounded in the promises of Scripture, affirmed by the Spirit’s work in the believer’s life.


Moreover, the Holy Spirit guides believers in making wise decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 (UASV) advises, "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." By relying on the Spirit's guidance and aligning decisions with God's Word, believers can navigate life's challenges with confidence and discernment.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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