A Place Of Presence

Read: 1 John 4:13-16

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13, NIV

IN WORD

“This is how we know.” Phrases like this show up often in John’s first letter because one of his purposes in writing is to distinguish between true Christ-followers and false ones. Conscientious people ask themselves if they are believing the right things, understanding the truth, and living the way God intends. John answers those questions. And one of his answers points to the presence of the Spirit.

God’s Kingdom is a place of presence. It isn’t simply a belief system competing with other ideas and ideologies, nor is it a code of conduct competing with other lifestyles. Beliefs and behaviors certainly belong in the Kingdom, but they alone don’t define it. Above all, the Kingdom is a realm in which the King is manifestly present. He shows up. He may be here or there at this time or another, always on the move and hard to get a handle on, but He doesn’t remain absent or only silently and theoretically present. He is actively present. Manifestly present. His work can be witnessed clearly.

Other religions can’t claim that. They seek to know by arguments and proofs and historical evidence—the same things Christians often point to in apologetics discussions. We have those things, to be sure, but we have more. We have testimony. We have experience. We have an undeniable Spirit who has given us evidence of His work within us and around us. We have gifts and power and attitudes that can only have come from Him. We have divinely changed lives.

IN DEED

Many believers go through seasons of searching. Is He really there? Is He active in my life? Is He any different from other belief systems? The answer of Scripture is yes, but it’s even more than that. The answer is that being “in Christ” and having Christ in us are not just theology or theory, they are experiences. He has come to us. His Kingdom is where He dwells.

ADDITIONAL READING: John 15:1-8

Seek this power, expect this power, yearn for this power. And when this power comes, yield to Him.

MARTYN LLOYD-JONES