From the Word and Works archives.

Holy Spirit Indwelling — Robert Welch

Recorded: July 10, 1984 Location: High School Road Church of Christ Lectureship, Indianapolis, Indiana

Primary Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 3:2; Ephesians 3:16–19; Romans 8:9–14

In this lectureship sermon, Robert Welch examines the biblical teaching concerning the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and addresses differing interpretations of how the Spirit dwells within Christians.

Welch begins by affirming the personhood of the Holy Spirit and distinguishing the Spirit's indwelling from miraculous spiritual gifts and inspiration. Drawing from passages throughout the New Testament, he considers what Scripture means when it speaks of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers.

Central to his argument is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the revealed Word of God. Welch maintains that the Spirit truly dwells in Christians in a figurative sense through the Word as it is understood, believed, and obeyed, rather than through a literal, personal indwelling.

Among the subjects discussed are:

• The personhood and nature of the Holy Spirit.

• The distinction between the indwelling of the Spirit and miraculous spiritual gifts.

• The meaning of the Christian's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

• The indwelling of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

• Figurative language used in Scripture to describe spiritual relationships.

• The relationship between faith, God's Word, and the Spirit's influence.

• The Spirit's leading, speaking, intercession, and sealing.

• The importance of distinguishing biblical statements from human speculation.

Welch also examines the claims of the charismatic movement and differing views among brethren concerning a literal, personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the lesson, he urges listeners to carefully examine the language of Scripture and to avoid asserting more than the biblical text establishes.

The sermon concludes by emphasizing obedience from the heart to the revealed Word of God and inviting listeners to examine their relationship with the Lord.

Scripture References: Acts 2:17; Acts 8:18; Romans 1:11; Romans 8:9–14, 26–27; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 5:3; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 3:2; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 3:16–19; Ephesians 1:13; John 6:63; John 14:6; 1 John 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:19; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Romans 6:17.

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“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)