1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Last week we spent a few minutes looking together at God giving of His Spirit to us. We saw in the passage that this gift of His Spirit confirms that we dwell in Him, and He in us. We also noted that the passage speaks of two other "proofs" of the indwelling of God. However, without the first gift or proof, the other two are of no real value. We need the Spirit of God to know anything of the indwelling of God.
Now, let's take a moment to look together at the second blessed indicator of the indwelling of God. We find this in verse 15, "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him and he in God." A continual life of confessing that Jesus is the Son of God is a demonstration that God indwells an individual.
Let's glance at the life of Peter (Simon) to see how the Bible demonstrates this. In Matthew chapter 16 verse 15 Jesus asks His disciples who He is. Simon Peter answers. "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Peter KNOWS that Jesus is the Son of God! What is really telling is Jesus' reply to this proclamation. Jesus responds, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Jesus here clearly indicates that it is God who alone reveals to a man that Jesus is the Son of God!
Finally, let's view the life of Paul (Saul) to see this truth. In Acts chapter 9 verses 17 through 22 we read, "17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." Notice that the newly Spirit filled Paul immediately preached Christ in the synagogues, that HE IS THE SON OF GOD (vs 20). Not just that Jesus is the Saviour, but that He is the Son of God. Brethren, do you see the demonstration of the indwelling of God here?
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God! Is your life one that testifies that Jesus is the Son of God? Is this truth precious to you as it was to Peter and Paul? If so, this is an indicator that God dwells in you and you in God. What a wonderful joy to know the Son of God and to know the indwelling of the God who gave Him to us to make us truly free!