In ancient Israel, God's special presence remained with His Mosaic Covenant people in the Tabernacle or Temple (discussed in Bare Roots 14.4). Now the Lord envisions the Church itself -- the Body of believers, His New Covenant people -- as the "Temple" in which His Spirit dwells. Paul calls Christians

members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy Temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Eph 2:19-22, NIV)

How does the indwelling presence of God's Spirit shape His Church?

First, the presence of His Spirit enables us to know God personally. Paul writes:

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  (Eph 1:17)

Paul does not mean just knowing about God, or mere "head knowledge" (Greek hoida). Instead, Paul refers to the kind of knowledge that comes from experience (Greek ginosko, discussed in Bare Roots 10.3). For example, he wants us to experience God's "incomparably great power" at work in our lives (1:19), to experience the depths of His love (3:19), to experience for ourselves all the "spiritual blessings" that come from knowing Him (1:3). All can "have access to the Father by one Spirit" (2:18).

Second, God's Spirit leads His Church toward oneness and harmony (discussed in Bare Roots 15.3). In God's presence we find "the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (4:3).

Third, God's Holy Spirit promotes "holiness," or a growing dedication to God and His service. He transforms our character and our behavior, conforming us to the image of Christ. Accordingly, Paul writes:

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you...Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph 4:30-32; 5:18)

Fourth, the gift of God's Spirit is a down payment on salvation, when we shall see the Lord face-to-face (discussed in Bare Roots 3.5):

You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance, until the redemption of those who are God's possession -- to the praise of His glory. (Eph 1:13-14)

If the worldwide Church is "a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit," then why don't we see a deeper knowledge of God and a more enduring unity? Why don't we display a higher level of holiness and a greater hope for the future?

Paul shows that it is possible to "grieve the Spirit" (Eph 4:3), to "resist the Spirit" (see Acts 7:51), to "put out the Spirit's fire" (1 Thes 5:19). Will the Church "follow the ways of this world and of...the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" (Eph 2:2; 6:12), or will we embrace the Holy Spirit of God?

Reflect...

1. Paul calls the "word of God" the "sword of the Spirit," or the Holy Spirit's weapon (Eph 6:17). How does immersing ourselves in God's word help us to "take our stand against the Devil's schemes"? (6:11)
   
   
2. According to Paul, one way we can be "filled with the Spirit" is by "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything" (5:18-20). What songs draw you closer to the Lord? And how does the habit of thanksgiving bring us into His presence?
   
   
3. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul urges us to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." If we keep our prayers "in the Spirit," or consistent with the Spirit's desires and priorities, then what kinds of "prayers and requests" will we offer? What kinds of prayers does Paul offer in Ephesians?

Christopher A. Davis, Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament
Hope International University
Fullerton, California

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