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.

A Note to Our Listeners:

As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

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

From the Word and Works archives.

Priscilla — William C. Sexton

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

Primary Scripture: Acts 18:1–28

In this lectureship lesson, Bill Sexton examines the life and character of Priscilla, one of the notable women of the New Testament. Drawing primarily from Acts 18, Sexton considers her partnership with her husband Aquila, their association with the apostle Paul, and their willingness to teach Apollos the way of God more perfectly.

Sexton emphasizes the importance of husbands and wives working together in service to Christ, the opportunities Christians have to teach others, and the courage required to remain faithful despite opposition and persecution.

Among the subjects discussed are:

• Priscilla and Aquila's partnership in marriage, work, and service to God.

• Their instruction of Apollos and the responsibility of Christians to teach others.

• Their hospitality and the church meeting in their home.

• Their willingness to risk their lives in support of the apostle Paul.

• The importance of remaining faithful when relocating or facing difficult circumstances.

• The role and responsibilities of women in the New Testament church.

Throughout the lesson, Sexton stresses that every Christian has opportunities to contribute to the Lord's work, regardless of prominence or public recognition. He reminds his listeners that God remembers faithful service, even when others may overlook it.

The lesson also reflects the religious and cultural discussions concerning the roles of men and women taking place during the early 1980s.

Scripture References: Acts 18:1–28; Romans 16:3–4; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19; Titus 2:3–5; Galatians 3:26–29; Hebrews 6:10; Mark 8:34–38; 1 Corinthians 11.

A Note to Our Listeners:

As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

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

In this sermon preached on May 9, 1976, at the Shelbyville Road Church of Christ, A.C. Blackwell asks a challenging question: Will it cost too much to be a Christian?

Beginning with Jesus' teaching in Luke 14, Blackwell considers the cost of discipleship and the sacrifices that may accompany a life devoted to Christ. He asks his listeners to consider what has already been paid for them and whether we could ever truly repay the price that was paid on our behalf.

Following Christ may sometimes require difficult choices. Blackwell speaks of the responsibility to tell the truth even to those we love, recognizing that they may not always appreciate or accept what they hear. He also recalls Jesus' words that He came “not to send peace, but a sword,” emphasizing the divisions that commitment to truth can sometimes bring.

Blackwell illustrates his message with the story of a man who owned a liquor store but, after becoming a Christian, gave up the business and eventually turned the property into a church building. Through stories such as this, he challenges the listener to consider what he or she is willing to sacrifice in order to follow Christ.

Can We Pay The Cost? is a lesson about commitment, sacrifice, conviction, and the true cost of discipleship.

From the Word and Works archives.

A Note to Our Listeners: As we make these older sermons available, it is ultimately the responsibility of each listener to determine whether what is taught is in accordance with the truth. We encourage every listener to carefully examine what is heard and to study the Scriptures with due diligence.

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