The Indwelling of the Spirit
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"But you are not in the flesh—but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you." Romans 8:9
To be in the Spirit, and to have the Spirit in us—are essentially the same thing, and set forth that union and communion which exist between believers and the Holy Spirit of God. Nor is any religion real, but that which is produced by the Spirit; nor does the Holy Spirit ever work effectually in any heart, without dwelling in it. The apostle had asserted and proved that "those who are in the flesh cannot please God;" and he then adds, "But you are not in the flesh—but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you." (Romans 8:9). Let us notice—
His Favourable Opinion Of Them. "You are not in the flesh—but in the Spirit." He had addressed them as "saints," as "beloved of God," and as the "called of Jesus Christ," in the commencement of his epistle, and he still speaks of them as such: 'You are not in a carnal state. You live in the flesh—but you do not live after the flesh.' Thus he speaks of himself: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour." And thus Peter testifies: "He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men—but to the will of God."
To live in the flesh is one thing, to live after the flesh is another. Yet many professors, to a certain extent, allow the flesh to rule them, as Paul testifies of the Corinthians: "I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual—but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able. For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal and walk as men?" The indwelling of the Spirit, in fullness and in power, lifts us out of SELF, raises us above our natural condition, elevates us above our fellow-men, and makes us spiritual and holy.
Of old God dwelt in the tabernacle, over the mercy-seat; then in the temple, and on Mount Zion, of which he said, "The Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation. This is my rest forever: here I will dwell, for I have desired it." Now he dwells in his Church, represented by the tabernacle, the temple, and Mount Zion; as Paul testified to the Ephesians, "You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the Lord: in whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." So also in individual believers, whose bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. To such our apostle says, 'You are in the Spirit, you are spiritual; you have a new nature, you possess the Spirit, who produces in you his fruits.' But mark—
His Cautious Manner Of Addressing Them. "IF so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you." To "dwell" is to inhabit; and if the Spirit lives in us:
He has opened our hearts—as He did the heart of Lydia;
He has quickened our souls—as He did the souls of the Ephesians;
He has convinced us of sin;
He led us to the Saviour, and
He is now daily leading us into a practical and experimental knowledge of the truth.
To "dwell" is to abide; not merely to visit or possess for a time, as in the case of Balaam, Saul, and others—but to become a living spring within, springing up into everlasting life. He abides in the Lord's people as a powerful worker, subduing their iniquities, helping their infirmities, and unfolding the glories of the Saviour. He excites holy desires and ardent prayers; he imparts sweet joy and peace; he comforts in troubles and trials; and he counsels in perplexity and difficulties.
To "dwell" is to rule; for wherever the Spirit dwells—he rules. He is master of the house he inhabits, and rules the whole household. He is sovereign of the kingdom in which he dwells, and rules all the subjects. He is God in his temple, and expects homage, adoration, and obedience from all engaged therein.
Where the Spirit dwells—he writes God's laws upon the heart, and puts them into the mind to be obeyed. He stamps the image of God on the soul, and produces a wonderful transformation, as we read, "But we all with open face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
He delivers us from the corruption that is in the world through lust, and enables us to conquer all our foes, as John states: "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world." He fortifies us against, and enables us to rule the flesh: "This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh." "For sin shall not have dominion over you; for you are not under the law—but under grace." He also reveals to us what God has provided for us, and our interest in it: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world—but the Spirit who is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."
If we profess to have the Spirit, we should give some proof of it. The Spirit never dwells in a person without working. He always assimilates to his own likeness, endears the Saviour, and leads the person to copy his example.
If others give proof that they have the Spirit, we should be satisfied, not suspicious, and treat them accordingly. Paul judged charitably, saying, "You are not in the flesh;" yet he acted prudently, and therefore added, "IF so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you." If any doubt whether we have the Spirit or not, let us patiently persevere in the Lord's work and ways, and we shall convince them.
No argument is so powerful as the argument of a holy life. Take no offence—but quietly go on doing the will of God from the heart. This will not only convince—but it will ultimately reprove them. As Noah, who no doubt was misjudged, and perhaps rashly condemned—but he went on building the ark, and so reproved their unbelief every day. As we read, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."
Not only so—but your holy conduct will surprise them, as in Peter's day: "They think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." It will also justify the ways and dealings of God, as it is written, "Wisdom is justified of all her children."
Let every reader, therefore, see to it that he has the Spirit of God dwelling in him. There can be no substitute for this. If you have it not, sit under a sound, simple, faithful, and pointed minister of the gospel. The gospel is the ministration of the Spirit, and through the gospel the Spirit takes possession of the heart. Therefore Paul, when the Galatians were turning away from the truth, appealed to them, "Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" But do not sit under the gospel as if you expected it to operate upon you like a charm—but ask the blessing of God; for to you who need the Spirit, the Lord Jesus says, "Ask, and it shall be given you,"—adding, by way of encouragement, "Every one who asks, receives." If you ask, therefore, and ask desiring to obtain, you shall receive.
Encourage every conviction and impression you experience, and so attend to the admonition, "The Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." Quench not the feeblest light of the Spirit, the smallest spark of the Spirit's fire within you; but encourage it, beseeching Him who never quenches the smoking flax, to "raise it to a flame." Once get the Holy Spirit into your heart as the Spirit of life, love, and power—as the Spirit of truth, meekness, and righteousness—as the Spirit of Christ—and you are made, and made forever!
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