Becoming Strong in the Inner Man

Text - Ephesians 3.14-19

Ephesians 3:14–19 NKJV

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Title - Becoming Strong in the Inner Man

Background

One of the things that separates a true Christian to non-Christians is the emphasis on and the nurture of the “inner man”.

the “natural man” and the “carnal man” are driven by their senses. They do things according to what they “sense”, the outward man.

the carnal is also trying mix the two in life: nurturing both the outward man and inner man. This is not possible

Romans 8:6–8 NKJV

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

you cannot nurture both in your life

“outward” man - the material side of human existence; the flesh; the man of the senses (sensual)

“inner” man - the spiritual side of huma existence; the soul

Romans 7:22 NKJV

22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.

if the inner man is to live and thrive, the outward man must suffer!

if the outward man is to live and thrive, the inner man will suffer!

the “spiritual man” takes care of the inner man and reaps the benefits. He is victorious. He is steadfast.

Benefits of a strong inner man

Paul’s Prayer

his main prayer

for the saints to be strengthened with might through the Spirit in the inner man

the “Spirit in the inner man” - means Christ dwellingin your heart by faith.

or - to become strong with the power of the Holy Spirit

his reason

so that you may be able to comprehend the love of God, to which you are rooted and grounded

in other words - to know the love of Christ, that you may be filled with the fullness of God

There are at least 3 benefits of a strong inner man:

1. a strong inner man is able to comprehend the width, the length, the depth, and the height, of God’s love

“be able” - to become sufficient to meet a need or task

Ephesians 3:18 NKJV

18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—

Ephesians 3:18 NRSV

18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

comprehend - to grasp with the mind; to understand

2. a strong inner man is able to stand against the wiles of the devil, and to withstand in the evil day

Ephesians 6:10–11 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13 NKJV

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

stand - to endure

withstand - to oppose

3. a strong inner man is able to persevere and endure

Colossians 1:11 NKJV

11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Colossians 1:11 NIV

11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

on the other hand, the outward man gives up easily

In othe other words...

A strong inner means

a strong mind - understands the will of God

a strong will - he is determined to stand ground; willing to fight and endure

a strong emotion - established in the love of God

Proverbs 14:29 NKJV

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

Proverbs 16:32 NKJV

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Strengthening the inner man

How do you strengthen the inner man?

Put on the word of God

Ephesians 6:13–17 NKJV

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

armor of God = the word of God;

or - your understanding of the word of God

“You are what you eat.”

Pray

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

prayer -

for yourself

for the saints

for the ministry

pray comes second to the word fo God

without the Word, prayer is groundless

Associate with the right people

1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Proverbs 27:17 NASB95

17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.

Go with people with a right spirit, and walks in the Spirit

Conclusion

Do you want to become a better Christian?

Start with strengthening your soul - the inner man

1 Timothy 4:6–10 NIV

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.