Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
David insists Paul wasn’t boasting in self-confidence but in a Spirit-formed life (prayer, obedience, repentance), and adds the early Christian claim: “the Spirit does not dwell in an unholy temple…if we live an ungodly life…the Spirit is going to withdraw”; how does that challenge common modern categories of assurance, “having the Spirit,” and the idea that holiness is optional?
Another way to ask: David says confidence comes from a Spirit-shaped life—prayer, obedience, repentance—and that the Spirit won’t stay with an unholy life. How does that challenge today’s ideas about assurance, “having the Spirit,” and treating holiness as optional?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
It challenges the idea that assurance is automatic and holiness optional by tying spiritual confidence to ongoing prayer, obedience, and repentance—and by warning that persistent ungodliness can involve the Spirit withdrawing. In the transcript’s framing, “having the Spirit” is a gift received at new birth but also a relationship maintained by walking with the Spirit.
- David says Paul’s endurance isn’t “boasting in his own self-confidence,” but flows from “the Holy Spirit in him” and a “close walk.”
- Asked how to cultivate love for Jesus, David lists “developing a close prayer life…pray throughout the day,” noting Paul says, “I pray for you continually.”
- He adds obedience: “walking with Christ obediently…putting all of this into action daily.”
- He reports early Christian teaching about the Spirit: at baptism/new birth “we receive it as a gift,” but “if we’re going to live an ungodly life, then the Spirit is going to withdraw. The Spirit does not dwell in an unholy temple.”
- He includes ongoing repentance as normal Christianity: “every day we’re going to stumble…‘Forgive us our trespasses.’”