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Permanent Residence

Words of Faith Final

Permanent Residence

Words of Faith 2-16-2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

www.faithfellowshipweb.com

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Ephesians 3

[16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

 

     Paul prayed for the strengthening of believers toward a specific purpose— so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

     The word Paul used here was a particular one, katoikeo, meaning "to house permanently" - reside, dwell, inhabit. The strong emphasis of this word is that Christ would not be a visitor, guest or temporary resident, but a permanent dweller, by faith.

      If you think about it, there is a significant difference between saying-- "I am staying at the Residence Inn" and saying--"I live at 435 West Maple Street."  In one place, you make yourself at home, and you are given a key card that can be erased as soon as you move on. In the other, you have permanent residence and a permanent address, which is printed on your driver's license, passport, and other official documents. 

      In one, there is someone who comes to make the bed each day, and you probably do not know their name.  In the other, there are hamsters buried in the back yard and memories everywhere. One is just temporary, while the other is an official, legal, permanent residence we call home.

     There is a difference between inviting someone to be a houseguest, even on a long-term basis, and actually having them establish permanent residence in your home.  Paul's prayer was that Christ would take permanent residence in your life.  That is a profound and critical truth if you think about it.

      The question we might ask ourselves is obvious: Is Jesus the Permanent Resident of me, or a house guest?  Have we invited Jesus in for a stay, told him where to put his bags, and directed him to the washcloths in the linen closet?  Have we told him to ask for anything he might need during His stay, or have we really made him a permanent resident?

      A permanent resident doesn't ask permission and doesn't need direction.  A permanent resident may decide to do some cleaning or even make some repairs.  A guest does not do that.  A permanent resident might pull everything out of the garage onto the driveway and throw away all the stuff that is just making a clutter.  A guest would never do that. 

      A permanent resident will grow concerned about the state and condition of the house.  If there is rotted siding, a permanent resident will go out and start the process of repair.  No permission is needed.  The rot is torn away, and strong siding is put in place with protective paint.  We do it when we get to it but the sooner, the better, right?

      A permanent resident might call for a termite inspection because of evidence that he observes.  If necessary, a permanent resident may "tent" the house so that the intruding pests can be eliminated.  There is no permission needed.  It is something that is done because it is necessary.

      Paul's prayer is that Christ would be that permanent resident in the life of believers.  Is Jesus welcome in your house, in your life, for a visit or as a permanent resident dwelling in your heart by faith?

 

     Okay, Jesus, I get it. You really didn't want to be a guest in the house of my heart.  You have always wanted to move in permanently.  I invite You.  Here are the keys to every room.  Here is the deed of ownership.  Let's take a look around and see what needs to be done. I know there is renovation to be done, rooms to clean, and repairs to be made. You don't need my permission.  In Jesus' Name.

 

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2010, 2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)       

2820 Business Center Blvd.

Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2010 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.