Dwelling so Righteousness Reigns

As we seek to live as who we are in Christ, God reveals His desire to dwell in us: “…I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (II Corinthians 6:18b) To dwell means to reside in or inhabit. The Spirit dwells in us as does Christ the Word, effectually working as we read, trusting Him. Yet, God Himself also lives within: “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:6)

Dwell is used by Paul 8 times and dwelleth 7, indicating an important topic to grasp and apply. Sin naturally dwells in our flesh (Romans 7:18), yet being saved, we have a new choice to allow righteousness to reign in our mind: “…but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:13b)

What dwells in your mind affects decisions. Is it the world or Scripture? Consider that you will reap what is sown. (I Corinthians 3:13/Luke 6:43-45) Let the Word functionally dwell in you daily by meditating on Scripture. This is a profoundly important aspect of living Christ. It quickens us (makes alive) for acceptable service: “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11)

Consider: Be aware what you’re minding. ‘Put on’ Christ and ‘put off’ the old man way of thinking to gain peace: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) When we’re full of the cares of this world, it produces anxiety and fear. Allow God to take you off this road of thinking, replacing it with being ‘full of God’s Word’ to effectually work. Dwell on Scripture, then do it: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)