The In-House Holy Spirit
The concept of in-house came to my mind as I was contemplating the Holy Spirit this week. “In-house, or insourcing, is a term used in business to describe the utilization of internal sources rather than outsourcing for activities.”[1] Advantages of in-house as opposed to outsourcing include: less time to understand issues and the way the organization works; better comprehension of the organization’s history and atmosphere; and escalated trust which increases knowledge sharing.[2]
Clearly, the Holy Spirit is in-house for every believer (John 14:17; 1 Cor 6:19); yet, His presence and activities are largely ignored.[3] In comparison to a business in-house in the preceding paragraph, the Holy Spirit exhibits the following: He is fully God (possess same attributes as God such as indicted in Matt 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; Psa 139:7-8; 1Cor 2:10-11; John 3:5-7) so He knows everything about individuals and God’s purposes (for God to be glorified Isa 61:3; John 15:8 and believers sanctified 2 Cor 3:18); He knows our past, present, and future as He searches all things (1 Cor 2:10-11); and a believer’s trust in the truth of God’s Word increases dependence on the Holy Spirit. The advantages of the in-house Holy Spirit are similar but far exceed the in-house business advantages as the next paragraph describes!
Wayne Grudem enumerates the Holy Spirit’s work implying His advantages:[4] gives life (Rom 8:11); empowers service (Acts 1:8); gives gifts (1 Cor 12:4-11); intercedes according to God’s will (Rom 8:26-27); purifies (Titus 3:5); guides (Rom 8:14); provides godly environment (Gal 5:22-23); supplies assurance (Rom 8:16); teaches and brings to remembrance Jesus’ words (John 14:26; John 16:13); and delivers understanding to the things of God (1 Cor 2:12). I marvel at the fact that as a believer, the Holy Spirit and His works are present and accessible to me at all times which demonstrates the in-house advantages of the Holy Spirit!
What could be some consequences of not believing in the Holy Spirit’s work? Basically, you would outsource to yourself, others, authors, counselors, podcasts, blogs, and the like. Some other ideas include: resigned to unfruitful life; depend on myself or others for service; dwell on my sins; live in anxiety; live draining life from others; blaming others; doubt my salvation; misunderstand and thus misapply God’s Word; and blocking the Holy Spirit by unconfessed sins. You can probably add to this list!
What would it look like if I did believe in the Holy Spirit’s work? Here are some ideas: constantly depending on Him for service, guidance, knowledge, understanding, and sanctification. Also, sensitivity to personal sin and confession of sin so not to grieve (Eph 4:30) or quench (1Thes 5:19) the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. The deeds of the flesh would be becoming less (Rom 8:13). Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23) would be developing. Also, the sweet aroma of who Christ is would be growing in manifestation in all areas of my life. I would be transforming more like Jesus degree by degree (2 Cor 3:18).
When you and I compare ourselves to the ideas from the Scriptures in the previous paragraph, what do we need to grow in? Where have we outsourced our spiritual growth to someone or something? How would God evaluate you and I on becoming more and more like Jesus everyday in all areas of our life? In what area can I celebrate evidence of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power? What can you and I do to be more intentional in cooperating with the Holy Spirit in being more transformed into the image of Jesus? Remember—the Holy Spirit is in-house!
Image from Infinitysol.com, accessed September 2, 2023, https://infinitysol.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/600fac6e9cdb6-480×320.jpg.
[1] CFI Team, “In-House,” Corporate Finance Institute, May 13, 2021, accessed September 2, 2023, https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/in-house/.
[2] Ibid.
[3] J. I. Packer, Knowing God, (Downers Grove, Il: InterVarsity Press, 1973), 68.
[4] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 636-49.
PJ Beets
PJ Beets is passionate about encouraging women and children through the Scriptures and life to see the compassionate God who redeems the rejected by acceptance, the silenced by expression, the labored by grace, and the lonely by love in order to set them free to serve in His ordained place and way for them individually and corporately. She has served the Lord through Bible Study Fellowship and her home church in various capacities with women and children. Upon turning fifty, she sought the Lord on how He would have her finish well which began her journey at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as well as a Doctor of Educational Ministry in Spiritual Formation, both from from DTS. PJ is married to Tom, has three children, and six grandchildren.
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