Strengthening the Inner Man: Paul’s Spiritual Empowerment in Ephesians 3:16

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16 centers on the strengthening of the inner man, a concept deeply rooted in biblical teaching. The inner man represents the spiritual core of a believer, encompassing the heart, mind, soul, and spirit, which together form the true seat of identity in Christ.

Romans 7:22 illustrates this inner spiritual reality by showing that the inner man delights in the law of God, even when the outer man faces trouble or decay. This distinction highlights that authentic Christian life is grounded in the inner spiritual dimension, which remains steadfast regardless of external circumstances ([33:41]). The inner man’s delight in righteousness underscores that the true self is aligned with God’s law and spiritual truth.

Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 4:16 emphasizes that while the outer man—the physical body—may perish or weaken, the inner man is renewed daily by the Spirit of God. This ongoing renewal is essential for resilience and strength in the Christian life, enabling believers to endure trials and tribulations with spiritual vitality ([33:26]). The continual strengthening of the inner man ensures that believers can maintain victory over external hardships.

The focus of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16 is not on external blessings or material circumstances but on the empowerment of the inner man through the Spirit. This empowerment allows believers to be rooted and grounded in love and to be filled with the fullness of God ([00:11]). True strength and resilience arise from this inner spiritual life rather than from outward conditions.

In contrast, the unregenerate person lives according to outward and physical faculties alone, lacking awareness of the inner spiritual reality. The inner man, however, is capable of spiritual growth and divine communion, delighting in God’s law and reflecting the believer’s true identity in Christ ([34:14]).

Together, these teachings affirm that Christian strength and victory are found in the renewed inner man. This spiritual core is vital for enduring external challenges and experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and power.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from MLJ Trust, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO