Galatians 2:20 Christianity begins with a death and a birth. We are crucified with Christ with the result that he now lives in us.
Romans 8:7–13 God’s spirit and Christ are interchangeable ways of talking about the same reality. Christ’s spirit within us brings life into us both now and on the last day when the resurrection occurs. Furthermore, this indwelling presence enables us to “put to death the deeds of the body” and live!
Ephesians 3:14–19 The spirit strengthens us so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. As those with Christ in us, we are to be rooted in love, strengthened to understand Christ’s love, and “be filled with all the fullness of God.”
John 14:15–24 Jesus taught his disciples about the spirit of truth, which he also called “another helper.” Although he spoke of this “helper” as if it were someone or something else, it’s clear from verse 18 and following that Jesus is actually talking about himself. He will not leave them orphans; he will come to them and (along with the Father) indwell them. Jesus here stresses the importance of obedience for this to happen.
Three examples of Christ leading the church through the spirit:
- Peter before Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-22)
- Paul with Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:1-12)
- Paul at Philippi (Acts 16:6-15; Philippians 4:15-20; 2 Corinthians 11:9)
Christ is present within each of us today, not only to empower, strengthen, and enlighten, but also to guide us through life.
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Weekly Bible Teaching Archive
