That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith
Introduction
Text found in v17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith
A crucial prayer – dealing with our hearts
A prayer for the family of God (v14)
A Trinitarian prayer (v15-16)
Why does Paul pray for the Holy Spirit to indwell the heart?
Is the Holy Spirit not already there
Romans 8:4
That Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith
Dwell – two parts: to settle down
It is one thing to be a Christian
It is another to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts
Do we want the Saviour to dwell in our heart for 2024?
If you are not a Christian – this is how you become a Christian
Overview:
Negatively (as it might appear)
Positively (what it ought to appear as)
Negatively (as it might appear)
What is all the fuss about – I am saved!
How real is the living Christ in our hearts?
Is He a tenant or the landlord?
A temporary tenant?
A squatter?
Only visiting on weekends?
A recluse?
Is it a secret living with Jesus?
Is is possible for Christians to live like this
They did in Ephesus (Rev 3:5)
Have you known a better day and closer walk to God?
Have you forsaken your first love?
Have you got more than has been described?
Are you living a negative life
Positively (what it ought to appear as)
What is the picture of a true indwelling?
A Saviour who is settled down in our hearts
Someone who stays
Not as a stranger
Not as an alien living away from home
Personal example
Quote from Bishop – residence vs lodging
An outright purchase
1 Cor 6:20
1 Pet 1:18-19
Ezk 36:25-27 – Formerly a slum – now a new build
Has this happened to you?
Phil 2:12-13
The Lord Jesus changes us
The Fruits of the Spirit
How do you measure the love of God?
His indwelling brings us a greater knowledge of His love for us
We have a limited knowledge of how much Christ loves us
In our darkest times we often know a greater love
Spirit filled living
v19
The next century demands it if we are to see God triumphant in our midst
Quote from John Stott
A process
Closing Remarks
Spirit filled living
Is Jesus in His element in your heart?
Is He there anyway?
Pray that Jesus will indwell you for the next year