God promised to give us this Spirit as a seal or pledge.
- 2 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13
The Spirit that dwells in us has specific jobs
- Gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11)
- Aids in putting to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13)
- Leads us (Romans 8:14)
- Testifies of our adoption (Romans 8:16)
- Strengthens the inner man (Ephesians 3:16)
- Knowing that the Spirit is housed in us gives us motivation to preserve a holy body (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:8)
- To make consistent (Galatians 3:2-5) [note: many not refer to the indwelling Spirit]
How do we know the Spirit dwells in us?
- Keeping His commandments is equivalent ot the Spirit abiding in us (1 John 3:34)
- Loving one another is equivalent to being given the Spirit. (1 John 4:13)
Do we have any control over the indwelling Spirit?
- We should endeavor to be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
Sometimes the jobs of the Spirit are not specific to the indwelling Spirit.
- Assist in prayer (Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18)
- Provide access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)
- Sanctify (1 Peter 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
- Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
- Lead (Galatians 5:18)
- Give hope (Galatians 5:5)
- Distribute miraculous powers (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Baptism with the Holy Spirit was promised.
Mark 1:8, Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:5
Peter connected the accomplishment of that promise with a specific event, not for everyone.
Acts 11:16, 10:44, 2:4, 1:6, 19:6
Some of those miraculous powers ended with the destruction of Jerusalem
Seal up vision and prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27 confirmed by Luke 21:20)
Remove prophets and unclean spirits (Zechariah 12-13 confirmed by John 19:37)
All Christians are baptized by the Spirit, not with the Spirit?
1Corinthians 12:13
- If prayer works, God still performs miracles.
- If individuals still possess miraculous powers, they will withstand investigation.