God the Holy Spirit Within You

Introduction

Jesus rose from the dead, and now He lives! When He ascended into heaven, the angels predicted that He would come back again some day.

9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11 CSB

Now what? He did not leave His followers alone. He sent them the Holy Spirit—another person within the Triune God, so that all followers of Christ might enjoy His presence 24/7 and live under His transformative power, influence, and guidance.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

As Jesus tried to prepare His disciples for His death, how were they feeling about their future? The Lord’s words to the disciples in the two verses below gives us insight into what they were thinking.

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 NIV 1984

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18 NIV 1984

Jesus asked His Father and Our Father to comfort the disciples.

16 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever” John 14:16 AMP

26 “But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.” John 14:26 AMP

Jesus’ work and influence on earth did not end at His death and ascension—it was just getting started! What were some things Jesus promised He would keep on doing for His followers after He returned to heaven?

1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2 NKJV

3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” John 14:3-4 NKJV

13 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14 NIV 1984

19 “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” John 14:19 NIV 1984

23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him. John 14:23 AMP

27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27 AMP

29 And now I have told you [this] before it occurs, so that when it does take place you may believe and have faith in and rely on Me. John 14:29 AMP

The Work of Jesus Today

Ephesians 1:20-23 tells us where Jesus is today, and what He is doing.

20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens — 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. Ephesians 1:20-23 CSB

Do you know what the word intercede means? To plead or intervene on behalf of another. Christ Jesus is interceding for us now at the right hand of God.

34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Romans 8:34 CSB

In Jesus’ great prayer recorded in John 17, He asked for some things for His followers.

13 And now I am coming to You; I say these things while I am still in the world, so that My joy may be made full and complete and perfect in them [that they may experience My delight fulfilled in them, that My enjoyment may be perfected in their own souls, that they may have My gladness within them, filling their hearts]. John 17:13 AMP

15 I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. John 17:15 AMP

17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. John 17:17 AMP

21 That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. John 17:21 AMP

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24 NIV 1984

Do you think Jesus is praying the same things for you today?

24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:24-25 NIV 1984

Jesus is also doing something else today.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27 NASB

How have you experienced Jesus making you holy and blameless?

The Persons of the Godhead never work separately. Every act of God is done by all three Persons. A. W. Tozer

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

What is true of every believer? You are in the Spirit.

9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. Romans 8:9 CSB

You have received the Spirit who comes from God (the Holy Spirit).

12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12 CSB

You are God’s temple and the Spirit of God lives in you.

16 Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 CSB

5 he saved us —not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:5-6 CSB

Why does God send His Spirit to indwell believers?

4 But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to [the regulations of] the Law, 5 To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God’s sons]. 6 And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ. Galatians 4:4-7 AMP

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us some of the results of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of believers.

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

The Holy Spirit Leads Us

According to Galatians 5:16-17, there is a conflict going on between Spirit and flesh.

6 I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. Galatians 5:16-17 CSB

Who should be in charge? The Holy Spirit.

Here is an illustration of the power resulting from the union of the Holy Spirit with the believer.

I have in my hand a piece of lead. I hold it over a pool of water, and relax my grip. The lead is drawn irresistibly earthwards and sinks to the bottom of the pool. It has been mastered by the law of gravitation. I take the same piece of lead, attach it to a piece of wood, and drop it into the pool. Now it floats. No change has taken place in the nature or tendency of the lead, nor has the law of gravitation ceased to function, but through its union with the wood, it has been mastered by a stronger law, the law governing floating bodies, and has been emancipated from the downward pull of gravitation. J. Oswald Sanders

The Lord’s word in the passages below tell us about the Holy Spirit leading us.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:25-27 NIV 1984

7 “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:” John 16:7-8 NIV 1984

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” John 16:12-15 NIV 1984

What the Holy Spirit uses to communicate truth is found in the two passages below.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 CSB

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV 1984

How do you feel about this level of exposure? How could the Holy Spirit use this knowledge about you?

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27 NIV 1984

In Acts 1:8, Jesus used the expression “you will” twice.

8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV 1984

He was describing what would happen when the Holy Spirit came on the disciples.

  • You will receive power.
  • You will be my witnesses.

Have you experienced the Holy Spirit empowering and strengthening you?

How does the Holy Spirit help you in sharing Jesus and conversing about your faith?

Be Filled With the Spirit

There is something very important to notice in Acts 13:52.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52 NIV 1984

And again in Ephesians 5:18.

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 NIV 1984

The Spirit-filled life is:

  • A life of obedience to the Holy Spirit
  • A life centered on the person of Jesus Christ
  • A life founded on God’s living word
  • A life of prayer
  • A life of fellowship
  • A life that reflects and shares Jesus
  • A life of relationship joy

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of God did not indwell people in the Old Testament the way He does now. Because of the finished work of the cross, Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, we are now indwelt with the Holy Spirit! We have become the temple of the Holy Spirit: the place where God indwells. God’s Spirit lives inside!

An Upon Experience in the Old Testament

But what about the baptism in the Holy Spirit? The Old Testament speaks of the Spirit of God coming upon them. An upon experience. A few examples are listed below.

Othniel.

9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: Judges 3:9-10 KJV

Gideon.

34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. Judges 6:34 KJV

Jephthah.

29 Now the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, so that he passed through Gilead and Manasseh; then he passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he went on to the sons of Ammon. Judges 11:29 NASB

Samson.

5Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came as far as the vineyards of Timnah; and behold, a young lion came roaring toward him. 6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. Judges 14:5-6 NASB

King Saul.

9 Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day. 10 When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them. 1 Samuel 10:9-10 NASB

David.

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 NASB

Azariah.

1 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: 2 Chronicles 15:1 KJV

Zechariah.

20 And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. 2 Chronicles 24:20 KJV

Ezekiel.

5 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say: “This is what the LORD says: That is what you are saying, O house of Israel, but I know what is going through your mind. Ezekiel 11:5 NIV 1984

So we see that the power of the Holy Spirit was real and active in the Old Testament, even before the Day of Pentecost. THIS IS NOT A SALVATION EXPERIENCE…THIS IS AN UPON EXPERIENCE! The Spirit of God came UPON selected individuals in specific times of need so that God’s power may be revealed, and sometimes for the prophets’ lives to be saved and others to believe in God! When these Old Testament prophets experienced the Spirit of God coming upon them, they came under the Spirit’s authority. The POWER OF GOD came upon them to do exploits for the Kingdom of God.

They were made able to rent lions inside/out; kill 1,000 enemies alone with a donkey’s jawbone, step into the fiery furnace and not be singed by the fire, and speak the Word of God boldly even in the face of death!

An Upon and Dwelling Within Experience in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the Spirit of God comes upon and dwells within believers. This is not a salvation experience; it is an upon and within experience!

49 “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 NASB

8 “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.” Acts 1:8 NASB

2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 2:2-4 NASB

17 ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; Acts 2:17 NASB

14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:14-16 NASB

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. Acts 10:44 NASB

15 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning.” Acts 11:15 NASB

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. Acts 19:6 NASB

We read that the Spirit was poured upon them, and that they were also filled! We get the pictures here of something sinking in water. Like a ship being sucked underneath a waterfall and sinking and filling up with the water.

Baptizer Element Purpose
Salvation Holy Spirit Jesus Christ
Water Baptism Pastor Water
Baptism in the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ Holy Spirit

The Promise and the Gift of the Holy Spirit is for Believers

38 He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. 39 But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor). John 7:38-39 AMP

16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. John 14:16-17 AMP

  • Notice how the Lord Jesus says He will ask the Father
  • The Holy Spirit will remain with you forever
  • The Holy Spirit cannot be received by unbelievers
  • Believers know and recognize the Holy Spirit
  • The Holy Spirit lives with you
  • The Holy Spirit is in you

38 And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself. Acts 2:38-39 AMP

  • The Holy Spirit being given to believers is a gift from God to you
  • The promise of the Holy Spirit is for all believers

13 “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13 NIV 1984

It is impossible for God to lie, so He will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit if you ask Him! Your part is to believe He will keep His promise and to receive the Holy Spirit. If you don’t believe Him, you will not receive His promise.

Points to Remember

  • Jesus Christ promised that after He left He would prepare a place for believers and send the Holy Spirit as our helper.
  • From His place at the right hand of God, Christ reigns over all creation and the church.
  • He is constantly praying for His followers and building up their faith.
  • Today the Spirit comes to live in, lead, and fill every believer.
  • The Holy Spirit gives us power to lead an obedient, Christ-centered life.

Things to Ponder

The Holy Spirit is a Person of the Triune God and has personality. The verses below help us to understand more about God the Holy Spirit. This is not an exhaustive list.

The Holy Spirit… Reference
Intercedes for us. Romans 8:26-27
Speaks to us. Acts 13:2
Guides us into all truth. John 16:13
Loves us. Romans 15:30
Reveals and searches. 1 Corinthians 2:9-11
Wills 1 Corinthians 12:11
Leads us as children of God. Romans 8:14
Can be resisted. Acts 7:51
Can be tested or provoked. Acts 5:9
Can be insulted. Hebrews 10:29
Can be blasphemed against. Matthew 12:31-32
Can be grieved. Ephesians 4:30
Can be suppressed. 1 Thessalonians 5:19