How can believers discern the Spirit's presence as described in 1 John 3:24? Key Verse “ And the one who keeps God’s commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us: by the Spirit He has given us.” (1 John 3:24) First Observation: Obedience Opens Our Ears • John links knowing God’s nearness to actively keeping His commandments. • Obedience does not earn the Spirit; it uncovers what is already true—God living in us. • Whenever we choose His way over our own, we experience a fresh awareness that “He abides in us.” Ways the Spirit Signals His Presence • Inner Witness of Adoption – Romans 8:16 “ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” • Growing Love for Fellow Believers – 1 John 4:7 “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” • Confession of Jesus as the Christ – 1 John 4:2 “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” • Fruit of the Spirit Shaping Character – Galatians 5:22-23 love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. • Conviction and Guidance into Truth – John 16:13 “He will guide you into all truth.” • Enablement for Obedience – Ezekiel 36:27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” Practical Checks for Today’s Believer • Hold your daily choices up to Scripture—consistent obedience confirms His indwelling. • Notice the growing distaste for sin and deeper delight in righteousness. • Track relational fruit: increasing patience, sacrificial love, quick repentance. • Sense the sweet, settled assurance that you belong to the Father—even when circumstances shift. • Watch for Scripture coming alive—verses recalled, truths understood, comfort received. Guarding Against Counterfeits • 1 John 4:1 urges us to “test the spirits.” Measure every supposed prompting by the written Word. • The real Spirit glorifies Christ (John 16:14), never self. • He never contradicts the Bible He inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). Summing Up We discern the Spirit’s presence when obedience is evident, Christ is confessed, love is increasing, truth rings clear, and His inner witness settles our hearts. Keep walking in His commandments, and the assurance John promises will keep shining. |
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