Christ Liveth In Me

by

Ernest O. Knoch

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is addressed not only to them, but also to all in every place who are invoking the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (see verse 2 of chapter 1). Surely that includes us!

After telling us that we are to do no boasting except in the Lord, at the end of the first chapter, Paul goes on to say that his ministry was not to be bolstered up with human wisdom, with the eloquence of persuasive words, but rather that he proposed to demonstrate its effectiveness with spirit and power, even though he himself was weak.

It is so easy for us to rely on our own strength instead of allowing the Lord to completely take over our lives. Surely that talent He has given me should not be wasted, we think. I must use it to His glory! Yet how often it becomes a snare, because it glorifies us, not Him. And we are so prone to seek knowledge of the Scriptures instead of trying to get to know our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately. Knowledge will help us to know more about Him, but if He is really to live in us (Gal.2:20) we must know Him personally, not just know many facts about Him, regardless of how true they may be.

You cannot get to know God by means of human wisdom (1:21). Christ Jesus is our wisdom from God as well as our righteousness, our holiness, and our deliverance (1:30). Isn't this telling us in no uncertain terms that it behooves us to get to know Him better? Only in this way can we truly enjoy Him, for God reveals what He makes ready for those who are loving Him, through His Spirit (chapter 2, verses 9 and 10). And the Lord is the vivifying Spirit (2 Cor.3:6,17).

Again in First Corinthians chapter 2, verses 12 and 13, Paul tells us that we obtained the spirit out of God, which may enable us to see the grace (charis, the enjoyment) which God had given us, and he is careful also to say that he did not speak of this precious possession with words of human wisdom, but rather with words taught by the Spirit.

Are you not aware that His Spirit is making Its home in you now (1 Cor.3:16)? There is no need to wait for His presence (1 Thess.3:13). His Spirit, mingled with your human spirit, is the secret of Christ living in you, and it is so easy to miss because the Adversary seeks to steer us off the course by touting the advantages of human knowledge and human wisdom. For he knows that these things will divide, not unite, the saints. Yet if we all are careful to center our affection on Christ, what blessed fellowship can be ours with all our fellow believers. And what joy we all can have in Him Who lives in us!

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