The Spirit of Holiness
God will never use an unclean vessel. We are commanded in God’s word to dwell with the Spirit of holiness.
The churches of the New Testament do not look like today’s churches. They had their problems, but Paul constantly called them to reject corruption and strive for holiness. Holiness is God’s standard of living for His people. Holiness comes from a word meaning moderate. Every man must work out his own Spirit of holiness avoiding extremes and placing those convictions on others. Without holiness we cannot see God. Everyone needs boundaries allowing the Spirit to produce Christian character. The Spirit within us makes us to dead to the flesh and sin.
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
A rejection of holiness is a rejection of God. God wants us to live in the Spirit so we can be victorious and enjoy the community of God. Holy Ghost baptism is separate from a water baptism of repentance. God’s Holy Spirit will dwell in you and direct you through constant and fervent prayer and communication with God.
The Holy Spirit dwells in the corporate church.
A loving, active church is an example and speaks to the world. A Spirit filled church is a place for the lost to know God. A place for people to seek God and carry what they found to the world.
1 Corinthians 14:24-25
24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
1 Corinthians 3:16
Know ye not that ye are the temple God, and that the Spirit of God dweller in you?
The Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of individuals.
We are a dwelling place of the living God. We are a temple created by the hand of God.
2 Corinthians 6:16
16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”