Strengthening the Inner Man: A Spiritual Journey
Summary
In Ephesians 3:16, Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened with might by the Spirit in their inner man. This prayer is not about material needs but focuses on spiritual fortification. The essence of Christian life is not merely about overcoming external challenges but about building up the inner man, which differentiates Christians from non-Christians. The inner man is the mind, heart, and will of the new person in Christ, and it is crucial for Christians to recognize and nurture this inner self.
Paul's prayer emphasizes that the Christian journey does not end with salvation; it is merely the beginning. Many Christians mistakenly believe that once they are saved, they have reached the pinnacle of their spiritual journey. However, Paul highlights the vast possibilities available to Christians, such as Christ dwelling in their hearts and being filled with the fullness of God. This is not reserved for a select few but is available to all believers.
The inner man needs strengthening for several reasons: it starts as a babe in Christ, vulnerable to the devil's attacks, and must be prepared to receive the immense glory of God. The mind, heart, and will are all areas where the inner man can show weakness, such as through doubts, fears, and a lack of resolve. However, through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can be reinforced and empowered to withstand these challenges.
The strengthening of the inner man is a divine grant, a gift from God, according to the riches of His glory. It is through the Holy Spirit that believers can be fortified to contain the presence of Christ and experience the fullness of God. This spiritual reinforcement is essential for Christians to rise above the ordinary level and live a life that reflects the glory of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian life is not about external circumstances but about strengthening the inner man, which is the mind, heart, and will of the new person in Christ. This inner fortification is crucial for overcoming spiritual challenges and living a victorious Christian life. [02:39]
- Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian journey. Many believers mistakenly stop at the initial experience of forgiveness, but Paul emphasizes the vast spiritual possibilities available to all Christians, such as being filled with the fullness of God. [09:23]
- The inner man needs strengthening because it starts as a babe in Christ, vulnerable to spiritual attacks. The devil targets the inner man with doubts, fears, and temptations, making it essential for believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for reinforcement. [19:13]
- The greatness of what God offers requires spiritual strength to receive it. Just as a weak person cannot handle a large meal, the inner man must be fortified to contain the glory and power of Christ dwelling within. [23:01]
- The Holy Spirit is the source of strength for the inner man. Through prayer and reliance on the Spirit, believers can be reinforced to withstand spiritual challenges and experience the fullness of God. This divine empowerment is a gift from God, available to all who seek it. [42:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 3:16
- [00:49] - The Nature of Paul's Prayer
- [02:03] - The Importance of Spiritual Prayer
- [02:59] - Building Up the Inner Man
- [04:19] - The Inner Man vs. The Outer Man
- [06:02] - Recognizing the Inner Man
- [07:32] - Prayer for Christians
- [09:23] - Salvation as the Beginning
- [11:13] - Possibilities for All Christians
- [12:17] - Spurgeon's Insight on Grace
- [15:40] - Why the Inner Man Needs Strengthening
- [19:13] - The Devil's Target: The Inner Man
- [22:26] - The Greatness of God's Offer
- [23:31] - Misunderstanding Spiritual Strength
- [30:39] - The Power of Christ in the Heart
- [39:40] - Divine Strengthening by the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 3:14-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul specifically pray for the Ephesians in Ephesians 3:16, and how does this reflect the focus of his prayer? [00:49]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "inner man" in the life of a Christian? [04:19]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian in terms of the "inner man"? [04:38]
4. What are some of the challenges or weaknesses that the "inner man" faces, as mentioned in the sermon? [31:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for the inner man to be strengthened by the Spirit, and how does this relate to the Christian journey beyond salvation? [09:23]
2. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in strengthening the inner man, and why is this considered a divine gift? [42:22]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the greatness of what God offers requires spiritual strength to receive it? [23:01]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the potential dangers of not recognizing the need for strengthening the inner man? [15:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you ever felt that you stopped growing after your initial experience of salvation? What steps can you take to continue growing spiritually? [09:23]
2. The sermon mentions that the inner man is vulnerable to doubts and fears. Can you identify a recent situation where your inner man was challenged? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [31:26]
3. How can you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to strengthen your inner man in your daily life? Are there specific practices or prayers you can incorporate to seek this divine empowerment? [42:22]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing the inner man. What practical steps can you take this week to focus on building up your inner self? [04:19]
5. Consider the analogy of needing strength to receive a large meal. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel unprepared to receive what God offers? How can you prepare yourself to receive more of God's fullness? [23:01]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of being able to talk to oneself as a Christian. How can you practice this self-reflection and dialogue to strengthen your inner man? [06:33]
7. Identify one area of your life where you feel spiritually weak. What specific action can you take this week to seek strengthening in that area through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit? [39:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Strengthening the Inner Man for Spiritual Victory
The Christian life is not about external circumstances but about strengthening the inner man, which is the mind, heart, and will of the new person in Christ. This inner fortification is crucial for overcoming spiritual challenges and living a victorious Christian life. The inner man is where true transformation occurs, and it is through the Spirit that believers are empowered to grow and mature in their faith. This strengthening is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires intentionality and reliance on God. [02:39]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel spiritually weak. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen this area today?
Day 2: Salvation as the Beginning of a Greater Journey
Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian journey. Many believers mistakenly stop at the initial experience of forgiveness, but Paul emphasizes the vast spiritual possibilities available to all Christians, such as being filled with the fullness of God. This journey involves a deepening relationship with Christ, where believers are continually transformed and empowered to live out their faith in profound ways. The fullness of God is not reserved for a select few but is accessible to all who seek it with a sincere heart. [09:23]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual journey since salvation. What is one new step you can take this week to deepen your relationship with Christ?
Day 3: The Vulnerability of the Inner Man
The inner man needs strengthening because it starts as a babe in Christ, vulnerable to spiritual attacks. The devil targets the inner man with doubts, fears, and temptations, making it essential for believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for reinforcement. This vulnerability is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for constant vigilance and prayer. By nurturing the inner man, believers can stand firm against the enemy's schemes and grow in spiritual maturity. [19:13]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: What are some doubts or fears that have been attacking your inner man? How can you use prayer and Scripture to combat these today?
Day 4: The Greatness of God's Offer
The greatness of what God offers requires spiritual strength to receive it. Just as a weak person cannot handle a large meal, the inner man must be fortified to contain the glory and power of Christ dwelling within. This divine empowerment allows believers to rise above the ordinary and live a life that reflects God's glory. It is through the Spirit that believers are equipped to embrace the fullness of God's promises and live out their calling with confidence and joy. [23:01]
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Reflection: Consider the greatness of God's promises in your life. What is one way you can prepare your inner man to receive more of His glory this week?
Day 5: The Holy Spirit as the Source of Strength
The Holy Spirit is the source of strength for the inner man. Through prayer and reliance on the Spirit, believers can be reinforced to withstand spiritual challenges and experience the fullness of God. This divine empowerment is a gift from God, available to all who seek it. By cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, believers can access the strength needed to navigate life's challenges and grow in their faith. [42:22]
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally rely on the Holy Spirit for strength today? What specific area of your life needs His empowerment?
Quotes
The Christian life is not about external circumstances but about strengthening the inner man, which is the mind, heart, and will of the new person in Christ. This inner fortification is crucial for overcoming spiritual challenges and living a victorious Christian life. [00:03:04]
The tragedy of the non-Christian is that he hasn't got an inner man. His life is entirely on the surface and therefore he's entirely influenced by the things that happen round and about him. He doesn't know of some inner Citadel of the Soul into which he can retire. [00:04:39]
The Apostle you see prays that this Inner Man may be strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit and here again we come across a very big and a very vital principle in the Christian Life. This prayer you see is offered word for those who are already Christian. [00:07:09]
The experience of forgiveness and of Salvation is merely the beginning of the Christian Life and we haven't arrived when we've experienced that. That's merely the beginning. It's merely the first step. That is simply to say that you've entered into the kingdom but that is only the very beginning of it all. [00:09:29]
There are great and glorious possibilities for the Christian. Here is one of them immediately that Christ May dwell in your hearts by faith that they may come to know something about God's love in its breadth and length and depth and height indeed that they might be filled with all the fullness of God. [00:10:36]
The inner man needs to be strengthened because at first he's only a babe. That's the New Testament term, isn't it? I could not speak unto you as unspiritual says Paul but as un carnal as unto babes in Christ. That's the scriptural teaching that we are born and we are born as babes. [00:16:19]
The devil always makes a very special Target of this inner man and you know I have often met people in trouble and in difficulties in their spiritual life because they hadn't realized that. They seem to think that the only sins are the sins of the flesh. [00:21:06]
The very greatness of that which is offered to us and that which is possible to us here you see is the possibility that Christ May dwell in our hearts by faith that we may know this love of God and that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. [00:22:31]
The thing that we are going to receive is so potent so mighty so strong that we need to be strengthened before we can receive it. Now let me give you another argument, another analogy. Take what the author of The epistle to the Hebrews says in the fifth chapter of his epistle. [00:27:41]
The Apostle Paul prays that the minds of these Ephesians might be strengthened in order that they might realize these higher possibilities and experience them and rejoice in them and so bear their witness and their testimony to the glory of God. [00:35:00]
If you and I are to contain the Lord Jesus Christ within us and to be filled with all the fullness of God we must be reinforced in the Inner Man by the Holy Spirit and if we realize that these are possibilities for us and desire them and we ask God thus according to the riches of his glory to reinforce Us by his Spirit he has promised to do it. [00:44:38]
Beloved Christian people, are you as much above the level of the ordinary Christian as the ordinary Christian is above the level of the men who isn't a Christian at all? That's the wondrous glorious possibility that is there for us everyone at this moment in Jesus Christ by the grace of God. [00:45:20]
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