The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Opposed by the Carnal Nature
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The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers. This indwelling is a transformative process, enabling Christians to live in accordance with God's will. However, this divine presence is often opposed by the carnal nature, which represents the sinful tendencies inherent in humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:17, Jesus promises His disciples the Spirit of truth, "The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you." This promise is fulfilled at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, marking the beginning of the Spirit's indwelling in believers.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this concept in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, he writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?" This indwelling signifies a profound union with God, empowering believers to live righteously.

Opposition by the Carnal Nature

Despite the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers face ongoing opposition from the carnal nature. The carnal nature, or "flesh," is characterized by sinful desires and inclinations that are contrary to the Spirit. Paul addresses this conflict in Galatians 5:17, stating, "For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want."

This internal struggle is a common experience for Christians, as the carnal nature seeks to assert itself against the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Romans 7:18-19 captures this tension: "For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do."

Living by the Spirit

To overcome the opposition of the carnal nature, believers are called to live by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 exhorts, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This involves a conscious decision to yield to the Holy Spirit's guidance and power, allowing Him to produce the fruit of the Spirit in one's life, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.

The process of sanctification, whereby believers are gradually conformed to the image of Christ, is facilitated by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:13 emphasizes the necessity of this divine assistance: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

Victory through the Spirit

While the carnal nature presents a formidable challenge, victory is assured through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 affirms, "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you." This victory is not achieved through human effort but through reliance on the Spirit's power, as Philippians 2:13 reminds us, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose."

In summary, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a transformative reality for believers, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. Despite the opposition of the carnal nature, Christians are empowered to overcome through the Spirit's presence and guidance, living lives that reflect the character of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

section 3
... The word of God in the hand of the Holy Ghost pierces to ... "If ye through the Spirit
do mortify ... They "reign in life" above through the indwelling seed, while all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 3.htm

The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Verses
... from the effect; for as, from the indwelling in the ... 1:18, is good, as being opposed
to "unrighteousness ... in general, all those gifts of the Holy Spirit which are ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/the eighteenth and nineteenth verses.htm

Moral Depravity.
... They call it original sin, indwelling sin, a sinful nature ... that it is natural, as
opposed to that ... a thing of course, unless the Holy Spirit interpose, greatly ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxiii moral depravity.htm

Moral Depravity.
... the impulse of the sensibility opposed to the ... first but feebly developed, unless
the Holy Spirit interferes to ... choice is properly enough called indwelling sin. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxiv moral depravity.htm

The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith.
... and risen Redeemer, who is the indwelling, all-pervading ... is the nous sanctified and
enlightened by the Holy Spirit. ... is equivalent to pantes and opposed, not to ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 71 the gentile christian.htm

John and the Gospel of Love.
... carnal birth, a birth "from heaven," as opposed to earthly ... en hemin, in allusion
to the indwelling of Jehovah ... the throne of the Father, the Holy Spirit is our ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section72 john and the gospel.htm

Entire Sanctification
... to every believer the new heart and the right spirit are offered ... feel that it is
only through his continued indwelling that they are kept holy, and happy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clarke/entire sanctification/entire sanctification.htm

Modern Revivals.
... in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God ... God in your body, and in
your spirit, which are ... He whose body is the temple of the Holy Spirit will not ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

Sanctification.
... faith, as distinct from and opposed to sanctification ... saints in Christ, through the
atonement and indwelling Spirit. ... revealed to the soul by the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxix sanctification.htm

Modern Revivals
... in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God ... God in your body, and in
your spirit, which are ... He whose body is the temple of the Holy Spirit will not ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

Resources
How do you know if you have the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Can you lose the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the Holy Spirit (All) | GotQuestions.org

Spirit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Spirit

Spirit Guides

Spirit of Divination

Spirit of the Lord

Spirit: Called "The Inner Man"

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Dove

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Dove: Gentle

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Seal

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Seal: Authenticating

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Seal: Securing

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Voice

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Voice: Guiding

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Voice: Speaking

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Voice: Warning

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Cloven Tongues

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Fire: Illuminating

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The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Fire: Searching

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Oil

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Oil: Comforting

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Oil: Consecrating

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Oil: Healing

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Oil: Illuminating

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Rain and Dew

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Rain and Dew: Abundant

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Rain and Dew: Fertilising

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Rain and Dew: Imperceptible

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Rain and Dew: Refreshing

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Water

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Water: Abundant

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Water: Cleansing

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Water: Fertilising

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Water: Freely Given

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Water: Refreshing

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Wind: Independent

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Wind: Powerful

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Wind: Reviving

The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Wind: Sensible in Its Effects

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit in his Church, As his Temple

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Body of Saints, As his Temple

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit is Abiding

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the Means of Fruit Bearing

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the Means of Guiding

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the Means of Quickening

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: A Proof of Adoption

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: A Proof of Being Christ's

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Opposed by the Carnal Nature

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Promised to Saints

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Saints Enjoy

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Saints Full of

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Those Who Have Not are Sensual

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Those Who Have Not are Without Christ

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The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: A Proof of Being Christ's
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