Day 7: Living in the Power of the Indwelling Spirit

““If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬-‭21‬, ‭26

This is a devotional based from the message entitled “The Forgotten God”, a message on the person and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

In the journey of faith, believers are blessed with the profound truth that Jesus lives in us through the person and power of the Holy Spirit. This reality transforms our relationship with God and empowers us to live a life that reflects the presence of Christ within us. Christ predicted the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would not only be beside the disciples but also within them. After Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell within every believer. This internal transformation marked a new era in God's plan, enabling believers to experience a continuous connection with God's presence.

In this transformation, Christ changed the tense of verbs to emphasize the difference in the Spirit's relationship with the apostles. The Spirit "dwells" in the present tense, while the future tense speaks of the Spirit "will be" in them. This distinction signifies an ongoing, intimate communion with the Spirit – a constant presence of Jesus in the lives of believers. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are never left as spiritual orphans. They are not abandoned or left without guidance. The Spirit serves as a constant reminder of Christ's presence, providing comfort, direction, and a sense of belonging within the family of God.

Striking the right balance in understanding the Holy Spirit is crucial. Exaggerating the importance of the Spirit can lead to mysticism, focusing solely on emotional experiences. On the other hand, underestimating the Spirit's role can result in legalism, relying solely on human effort and rules. Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Advocate or Comforter. The Spirit's role includes teaching, reminding believers of Christ's words, and testifying about Him. This ministry reinforces our understanding of God's truth and nurtures our relationship with Christ.

The Holy Spirit not only guides our understanding but also helps us in our weakness. When we don't know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf, aligning our prayers with God's will. This intercession leads to transformation and the realization that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. The Spirit is the source of various spiritual gifts that equip believers for service. These gifts promote unity within the body of Christ as each person contributes their unique abilities for the common good. The Holy Spirit's distribution of gifts reinforces the interconnectedness of believers in fulfilling God's purposes.

As the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, believers today also receive power through the Spirit to be witnesses of Christ's message. This power extends to all aspects of life, emboldening believers to make a difference in the world. Just as a father gives good gifts to his children, God eagerly gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Seeking the Holy Spirit leads to a deeper connection with God and a life transformed by His presence. The truth that Jesus lives in us through the Holy Spirit is a profound reality that shapes our lives as believers. It's a reminder that we are never alone, abandoned, or without guidance. The Spirit empowers us, transforms us, equips us, and unites us. Let us embrace the indwelling Spirit's presence and allow His guidance to lead us into a life of love, joy, peace, and transformation, reflecting Christ's presence in every aspect of our existence.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit, through whom Jesus lives within us. Help us to grasp the depth of this truth and to fully embrace the power and guidance that the Spirit brings. May we humbly yield to the Spirit's leading, finding strength in our weaknesses, unity in our diversity, and transformation in Your presence. Grant us the discernment to strike the right balance in understanding the Holy Spirit's role in our lives, avoiding both mysticism and legalism. As we journey in faith, let Your Spirit empower us to be effective witnesses of Christ's love and truth, bringing light to a world in need. May our lives be a testimony to the indwelling presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit – a reflection of love, joy, peace, and unity. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.