Commentary: Resident or president

Todd Gaddis

We serve a jealous God, One who wants, through His Spirit, not only to be a resident in our lives, but president as well.”

 Life as a Christian carries with it many benefits. First and foremost, our sins have been forgiven as a result of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only does that provide eternal life in heaven, but the potential for an abundant life here on earth.

Add to the above the fact that when saved, we are baptized in the Spirit. This is a one-time occurrence in which the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. As “Christ in us, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), the Third Member of the Trinity establishes residence in our souls. 

So why did Paul command the Ephesians to “be filled with the Spirit” (5:18)? Had they not already received Christ as Savior and thus received the Holy Spirit? Of course. Yet while the baptism of the Spirit is permanent and positional, the filling of the Spirit is temporary and conditional. If asked if I believe in a “second blessing,” I will say, “absolutely, and a third, and a fourth, and …” Every filling of the Spirit is certainly a blessing. 

When asked why he continually spoke about Christians being filled with the Spirit, the renowned evangelist D.L. Moody responded, “because I leak.” Becoming a believer is simple, but living as one is anything but easy. Battling the devil and fighting temptation takes its toll. We’re going to sin from time to time, which leads to “spiritual leakage.” “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:18 NASB).

In her book, The New Lottie Moon Story, author Catherine B. Allen records a request in a letter the legendary missionary wrote during a particularly challenging time in her ministry. “I feel my weakness and inability to accomplish anything without the aid of the Holy Spirit. Make special prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit . . . that I may be clothed with power from on high by the indwelling of the Spirit in my heart.” Miss Moon, one of the most revered missionaries in history, spent nearly 40 years serving in China. 

Moody, quoted above, also said, “You might as well try to see without eyes, hear without ears, or breathe without lungs, as to try to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit.” So, why not pause now and seek a fresh filling of the Spirit, taking the following steps?

Confess: Just as you don’t want to drink from a dirty glass, God’s not likely to fill an unclean vessel. Acknowledge all known sin and seek the Lord’s forgiveness.

Ask: Like Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:13 NASB). 

Yield: God may surprise you, leading you along a different path than you had planned. “Let go and let God,” as they say. 

Believe: Don’t expect bells to ring and lights to flash when the Holy Spirit fills you. Just like with salvation, it’s not a matter of feelings, but rather one of faith. 

We serve a jealous God, One who wants, through His Spirit, not only to be a resident in our lives, but president as well. We can accomplish so much more and get along so much better with the power of God at work in us than we ever could on our own.

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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.