Topical Bible: The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Those Who Have Not are Sensual

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The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers. This indwelling is a transformative experience that marks the believer as a child of God and empowers them to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The absence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling is often associated with a life led by the flesh, characterized by sensuality and worldly desires.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a clear distinction between those who have the Holy Spirit and those who do not. In Romans 8:9, the Apostle Paul writes, "You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" . This passage underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit's indwelling for true Christian identity and belonging.

Characteristics of the Indwelling

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings about a profound change in the believer's life. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes contrast sharply with the works of the flesh, which are evident in those who do not have the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 describes these works as "sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like" .

Sensuality and the Absence of the Spirit

The absence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling is often linked to a life dominated by sensuality and fleshly desires. Jude 1:19 warns, "These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit" . This verse highlights the spiritual barrenness and moral decay that accompany a life without the Spirit. Sensuality, in this context, refers to a preoccupation with physical pleasures and a disregard for spiritual truths.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers away from sensuality and towards holiness. In John 16:13, Jesus promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" . The Spirit's guidance helps believers discern and reject the temptations of the flesh, leading them to live in accordance with God's will.

The Call to Receive the Spirit

The New Testament calls all believers to receive the Holy Spirit and live by His power. Acts 2:38 records Peter's exhortation, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" . This invitation is extended to all who seek to escape the bondage of sensuality and embrace a life led by the Spirit.

Conclusion

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential for a life that reflects the character of Christ. Without the Spirit, individuals remain ensnared by sensual desires and worldly pursuits. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome these tendencies and live in a manner that honors God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:19
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all ...
... The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of ... the hearts of believers, against
those false professors ... thing as influences of the Holy Spirit, that may ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the indwelling of the spirit.htm

Spiritual Power.
... That supreme example and those lives declare that whoever desires to have his soul ...
But worst of all hindrances to the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit in any ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xviii spiritual power.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... that there is living faith in Jesus, and the indwelling of the ... the face of it, is
a lie against the Holy Ghost ... He says the Spirit of God told him so-and-so; but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by John.
... and the manner of Their coming and indwelling in the ... of the believer is through Their
representative, the Holy Spirit. ... in which Father, Son and Holy Ghost abide ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter ix entire sanctification as.htm

The Withering Work of the Spirit
... new life into us, as the result of the indwelling of the ... is not quenched." May God,
the ever-blessed Spirit, visit you ... Trifle not with any holy thought you have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the withering work of the.htm

Justifying or Sanctifying Grace
... the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God ... your members are the temple of the
Holy Ghost, who is ... those of the East, assert the substantial indwelling of the ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 2 justifying or sanctifying.htm

The Work of God's Spirit
... assurance, and the witness of the indwelling Spirit,"all those ... a young man a bold
spirit and powerful ... industry, and innocent happiness, and holy married love ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon iv the work of.htm

Edwards -- Spiritual Light
... the mind of a saint as an indwelling vital principle. ... light formally consists, is
immediately by the Spirit of God ... a Christ, and that Christ is holy and gracious ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/edwards spiritual light.htm

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... through the blood of Christ, and the indwelling and perpetual ... to understand it"this
is the way to holy joy ... desire now a fresh blast from God's Spirit to blow ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

In his Temple
... from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of
the ... They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm