Strengthening the Inner Man: A Biblical Perspective

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul provides a profound prayer for the believers, emphasizing the significance of being strengthened in the "inner man." This concept, rooted in Ephesians 3, is essential for understanding Paul's vision of spiritual maturity and resilience. Let’s explore what Paul means by the "inner man" and the indicators he identifies as evidence of its strength.

The Concept of the Inner Man

The "inner man" refers to the spiritual core of a person, the heart and soul where true transformation and divine interaction occur. Unlike the outer man, which is concerned with physical and temporal matters, the inner man is focused on spiritual and eternal realities. In Ephesians 3:16-19, Paul prays:

"that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:16-19, NKJV).

Indicators of a Strong Inner Man

Paul outlines several key indicators that reflect the strength of the inner man. These indicators are essential for believers seeking to grow spiritually and live out their faith.

1. Strengthened with Might through His Spirit

- The first indicator is being "strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16, NKJV). This means experiencing an infusion of divine power that comes from the Holy Spirit. A strong inner man is marked by resilience and the ability to withstand trials, sustained by God’s power rather than human effort.

2. Indwelling of Christ through Faith

- Paul prays "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Ephesians 3:17, NKJV). This indwelling signifies a deep, ongoing relationship with Christ. It means that Jesus' presence is central to the believer's life, influencing their thoughts, decisions, and actions. A strong inner man exhibits a continuous, faith-based communion with Christ.

3. Rooted and Grounded in Love

- Being "rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17, NKJV) is another critical indicator. This metaphor illustrates stability and nourishment drawn from love, which serves as the foundation for the believer’s life. A strong inner man is characterized by a love that is steadfast, unconditional, and reflective of Christ’s love.

4. Comprehension of Christ’s Love

- Paul prays for believers to "comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge" (Ephesians 3:18-19, NKJV). A strong inner man understands and experiences the vastness of Christ’s love, which transcends human understanding. This comprehension fosters a deeper spiritual connection and motivates loving actions.

5. Filled with All the Fullness of God

- Finally, Paul’s prayer is that believers "may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19, NKJV). This fullness indicates a life that reflects God’s presence, character, and power. It denotes spiritual maturity, where every aspect of one’s being is aligned with God’s will and purpose.

How to Strengthen the Inner Man

Paul’s prayer provides a pathway for believers to strengthen their inner man. Here are practical steps to follow:

• Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit:

Regular, heartfelt prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance are crucial (Ephesians 3:16).

• Faith in Christ:

Maintaining a strong, personal faith in Jesus Christ and allowing Him to dwell in the heart (Ephesians 3:17).

• Love:

Cultivating a life rooted in love for God and others (Ephesians 3:17).

• Study and Meditation on God’s Word:

Deepening understanding of God’s love and truth through regular study and meditation on the Bible (Ephesians 3:18).

• Community and Fellowship:

Engaging with the body of Christ, learning, and growing together with other believers (Ephesians 3:18).

Summary

Paul's concept of the inner man in Ephesians 3 highlights the essence of Christian spiritual life. Indicators such as the indwelling of Christ, being rooted in love, comprehending Christ’s love, and being filled with the fullness of God are crucial markers of a strong inner man. By following Paul’s guidance and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can experience profound spiritual strength and transformation.

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References

Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson.

Lincoln, A. T. (1990). *Ephesians* (Vol. 42). Word Books.

O’Brien, P. T. (1999). *The Letter to the Ephesians*. Eerdmans.

Yarbrough, R. W. (2002). *Ephesians*. In G. K. Beale & D. A. Carson (Eds.),

Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament* (pp. 837-

859). Baker Academic.

-Hoehner, H. W. (2002). *Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary*. Baker Academic.