Dwelling In Christ

Focus: 1 John 4:13 - KJV

13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

Romans 8:8-11

Christ was born of the Holy Spirit through a virgin. Hence, all He did while on earth, was Holy Spirit controlled for God was with Him. He passed on the same grace such that through Him, anyone that comes to the father may have the same self-Spirit, and do the type of works He did and greater works also. So, it is by the presence and the guidance of the Spirit that a person in Christ is recognized. The Spirit is peculiar in that when He dwells in any, the same starts to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. The moment contrary things begin to manifest, it is easy to understand that such is yet to dwell in Christ.

On a particular occasion, Christ and His followers went into a village and they were rejected there. As they moved on from there, the sons of thunder asked Him for permission to call down fire on the village just like Elias (Elijah). They did not understand that the Spirit propelling Christ is Love; they wanted to destroy a village whereas the Spirit gives life and destroys not. After the duo of James and John began to dwell in Christ and were filled with the Spirit, at no time was it said of them that they called down fire or destroyed anyone at all by any other means. The gentle Spirit is evidence of dwelling in Christ.

God wants us to know that if indeed we dwell in Christ, it shows by the fruits of our lives. Those who are quick to destroy others are still living a lie in that they are in no way found in Christ. To live in Christ is to be like Him in well doing, giving life to others even if it warrants hurting ourselves to do so. We are enjoined to love our neighbors and pray for those who despitefully use us. Nothing otherwise is Christ-like, no matter what philosophers say to make us assume it is slavery mentality. It does not matter the color or creed, those who dwell in Christ are propelled to love.

Please pray:

Dear Lord, I thank you for another day to learn more at your feet. Please give me the grace to know more of you that I may truly be like you, in Jesus’ name. Let me from today be forever led by your Spirit so that my dwelling in you may be forever evident, in Jesus’ name. And do let the benefit attached to dwelling in you begin to show in my life more rapidly, in Jesus’ name. Let lives be transformed to the glory of your name, by my dwelling in you, dear Lord, in Jesus’ name.

Please share with others. God bless you.