The inner conflict between the Sin Nature and Indwelling Holy Spirit
A. The prior indwelling of the old sin nature from the moment of physical birth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit from the moment of the new birth result in a great inner conflict (Gal. 5:17)
B. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the principle of victory over the old sin nature, while the filling of the Holy Spirit is the function of victory over the old sin nature.
C. Therefore, emphasis is placed on the baptism of the Holy Spirit which frees the believer from the power of the old sin nature and empowers the believer for a new way of life.
D. The inner conflict between the old sin nature and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is disclosed in Rom.8:2-8 and Gal.5:16ff. The old sin nature has a head start since it was in our body from the moment of physical birth. It is only overcome by positive volition toward bible doctrine and the timely and consistent utilization of the rebound technique.
The primary objective of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
A. The primary objective of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is to provide a temple in the believer’s body for the indwelling of the other two members of the Trinity. This provides motivation for the attainment of spiritual objectives.
B. The advance to spiritual maturity and the glorification of Christ is accomplished through the filling of the Spirit and perception of doctrine.
C. Perception of Doctrine is related to the teaching ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26). The Holy Spirit provided accuracy of recall through a photographic memory for the writing of scripture (Jn. 16:12 – 15; I Cor. 2:9 – 16; I Jn. 2:27
The Distinction Between Indwelling of Christ and the Holy Spirit
A. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is both permanent and functional, while the indwelling of Jesus Christ is the guarantee of escrow blessings in both time and eternity as a result of the believer’s advance to spiritual maturity. The indwelling of Jesus Christ is also a permanent indwelling of the body of the believer.
B. There is definite scriptural evidence that the reversionistic believer does not benefit at all from the indwelling of the Lord Jesus Christ (II Cor. 13:5; Rev. 3:20)
This doctrine taken from Bible Class notes
From Bible Classes taught by Col. R. B. Thieme, Jr.
Pastor of Berachah Church, Houston 1950 - 2003
