Indwelling

   Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit will indwell believers (John 14:16-17) is found in the New Testament, yet understanding the significance of what this blessing means can be found in the Old Testament.
   There are two events that give insight to what it means for the Holy Spirit to indwell, that is, to live within a believer.  The first event of these that paint the picture of what it means that the Spirit indwells the believer is from the book of Exodus. Prior to the event, the Lord instructed the Israelites on how to make a dwelling place for Him that was proper and fitting.
   Through Moses’ leadership, the Israelites built the “Tent of Meeting.”  When the work was complete: Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34-35 ESV)
    As humble and as godly as Moses was, he couldn’t enter where the glory of the Lord resided.  But because of what Jesus did on the Cross, everyone who receives by faith the gift of His grace, is like the “Tent of Meeting;” a properly prepared place for the full glory of the Lord’s Spirit to enter and stay.  That’s amazing!
   A similar event took place in the days of Solomon when the Temple was built for the dwelling place of Lord.  Under Solomon’s guidance, a fabulous structure was constructed.  On the day of its dedication: As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. (2 Chronicles 7:1-2 ESV)
    It is almost too good to believe, isn’t it, that while the Lord’s glory prevented priests from entering the temple, the most holy Lord lives in believers. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)
    How then, do believers live by the Holy Spirit who indwells?  The answer is, according to His Glory!  It was the responsibility of the priests in the Old Testament to ensure that nothing damaging, distorting, or destructive to the glory of the Lord was allowed in the Tent of Meeting or in the Temple. In the same way, believers must guard their minds and hearts for those things that would diminish the glory of the Lord—no words, no actions, no visuals, no thoughts, no attitudes or emotions.
    What helps believers continue to be the proper and fitting place for the Lord to indwell?
    More to come!