Chapter 8

It is imperative we take seriously the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His work within us. Consider the passage below.

Philippians 2:13-16

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

The subject matter in the passage above is very interesting in respect to the fact that God is working in us; hence, giving us the power to will and to do His good pleasure. But let us not mistake this ‘working’ with God controlling our will. That is not the inference here. Because of the influence of the Holy Spirit on our soul we have access to the will of God and the power to execute that will. This is a manifestation of the Scripture declaring, “He that is joined to the Lord, is one spirit.” When our will is the same as His then oneness is indeed manifested. This is the ultimate act of obedience because to will to do God’s good pleasure comes with the ability to perform it. The scripture above declares God is working in us. But what is at work? Is it not the influence which is called Grace? Yes, God is influencing our hearts. That is His effectual work in each of us. He is not separate and apart from us but He has literally joined Himself to our soul. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being as the scripture has declared. Nevertheless, God lives in our flesh and the body belongs to Him. Therefore, we are instructed to obey without murmuring and disputing. Ask yourself, “Who is it we would be disputing Summary Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:19 - To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. god works in us

with?” The word dispute means disagreement, to argue or debate; it also means to compete for, and strive to win, to murmur or to be argumentative regarding the will of God; and to not allow oneself to be led by the Spirit. To put all this in simple terms, the saints of God are not sold on the idea of being exactly like Jesus. It makes them too vulnerable. We have gotten use to protecting ourselves and defending our image. The Word of God is a threat to our personage. This means there is still too much ‘self’ involved in our salvation walk. To obey God in all things or to be as Jesus is becomes a real challenge. Though He is our Savior, as a man He appears weak amid a hostile environment.

Notice that the 15th verse says; “that you may be blameless and harmless the sons of God.” But it is only those who are led by the spirit that are considered to be the sons of God. I think we need to look more into what it means to be blameless and harmless sons of God. Blameless refers to walking in righteousness, fulfilling all the Commandments of God. Now the summary of these Commandments is love. Therefore, to walk in love is to walk without offense to anyone and in doing so, we become harmless.

We have been given the mind of Christ. When we are made aware of the will of God through that mind, then we will either agree or disagree. To disagree, even in our heart, causes murmurings and disputes. It is a spirit of competitiveness. It dares to compete with God to win our way. This battle is internal. It is the born-again son of God warring with His Father whom He has not only laid claim to, but also lives in His flesh.

However, these murmurings and disputes will cause us to be rebuked by God. Keep in mind that a rebuke by God is an expression of sharp disapproval. Therefore, it is not fruitful for us to chide with God. We are to obey the Lord without controversy. This is the nature and obedience of the true sons of God.

The apostle Paul spoke very boldly about this working of God in the flesh.

Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 4:16

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The working of God in us is influence. That is the true meaning of grace. It is God’s influence in the heart reflected in the life. The influence affects changes in the desires of our soul, our will and our emotions. The very presence of God in our body sanctifies it holy leaving it without the desire to sin. This is the effect or effectual work of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.

The bottom line is God wants us to live without rebuke. It is the obedient sons who are able to render the word of life as light in this dark and evil world. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Agree with God, and you will shine as a beacon for all men to see their way to God. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:2-3).