THE HOLY SPIRIT PRESENCES WITHIN YOU – APOST. WILLIAMS MOMODU
THE HOLY SPIRIT PRESENCES WITHIN YOU.
The Holy Spirit within a believer is a profound and central truth of the Christian faith, as highlighted by the scriptures you provided.
The Holy Spirit within You – Biblical Basis:
1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;”
This verse emphatically declares that the believer’s body is not merely a physical dwelling but a sacred temple, inhabited by the Holy Spirit. This indwelling means that God’s presence is not just around us, but intimately within us. It emphasizes the profound connection and ownership God has over our lives since He has redeemed us.
Romans 8:9: “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
This scripture distinguishes between living by the “flesh” (sinful nature) and living by the “Spirit.” It clarifies that the presence of the Holy Spirit within a believer is the definitive mark of belonging to Christ. If the Spirit doesn’t dwell in a person, they are not truly His. This speaks to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live a life aligned with God’s will.
John 14:26: “But the Advocate, 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.”
* Here, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit as the “Advocate” (also translated as Helper, Counselor, Comforter). His role is not only to be present but also to actively teach and remind believers of Jesus’ words. This highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding, illuminating, and preserving truth in the believer’s life.
5 Dimensions of God’s Presence in the Life of a Believer:
While specific categorizations may vary, the concept of God’s presence is multifaceted. Based on biblical understanding, here are five dimensions of God’s presence that a believer can experience:
1. Indwelling Presence (The Spirit Within): As highlighted by 1 Corinthians 6:19 and Romans 8:9, this is the most intimate and personal dimension. The Holy Spirit literally takes up residence in the heart of every true believer at the moment of salvation. This presence is constant, unceasing, and serves as a seal of God’s ownership and a guarantee of future glory. It empowers us for righteousness and communion with God.
2. Omnipresent Presence (God is Everywhere): While distinct from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it’s important to remember that God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10). He is not confined to any space and is present everywhere at all times. This means that even before salvation, God’s presence surrounds humanity, sustaining creation and making Himself known to some degree. For the believer, this dimension provides comfort and assurance that no matter where they are, God is there.
3. Manifest Presence (Experiential Encounters): This refers to a tangible or discernible awareness of God’s presence, often marked by a sense of His glory, power, or peace. It’s not about God “showing up” where He wasn’t before, but rather us becoming more attuned to His ever-present reality. This can be experienced in worship, prayer, in moments of divine intervention, or through spiritual gifts. Examples in scripture include the Shekinah glory in the tabernacle/temple, or Pentecost in Acts 2.
4. Enabling Presence (The Spirit Upon/Empowerment for Service): This dimension often relates to the anointing of the Holy Spirit for specific tasks, ministries, or acts of service (e.g., Acts 1:8). While the Spirit indwells all believers, there can be a further “filling” or “empowering” of the Holy Spirit that equips individuals with spiritual gifts and supernatural ability to fulfill God’s purposes. This presence often leads to boldness, prophetic utterance, and miraculous works.
5. Guiding/Teaching Presence (The Advocate): As promised in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit serves as our divine teacher and guide. This dimension involves the Spirit illuminating scripture, bringing to remembrance God’s truths, convicting of sin, leading into all truth, and directing our steps. It’s through this presence that believers gain wisdom, discernment, and clarity in their walk with God.
These dimensions illustrate the rich and dynamic ways God interacts with and manifests Himself in the lives of His children through the Holy Spirit.
