THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CHRIST'S INDWELLING

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

Devotion 8 of 16

STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT

" . . . to be strengthened with might by His Spirit . . . " Sin has so debilitated humanity, that Divine strength is required for Christ to dwell within the individual. This fortification of the human spirit cannot be achieved by men, but is granted by God Himself. Without the required strength, there is no hope of Christ dwelling within--that is, of permanently residing in the believer.

THE MEANS OF STRENGTH

The word "strengthened" comes from a word meaning to become strong, grow strong, be strengthened. This strength is not imposed upon the individual apart from his own involvement in the process. It is not produced by the one being granted strength, although the individual is aware of the process. Further, it is the person himself that is strengthened, not just an aspect of his person. As the believer "walks in the light," "lives by faith," and walks "in the Spirit," the strength will be granted. It will NOT occur if the person insists on being conformed to this world, embracing its mind and manners.

We will NOT be strengthened with ideas, philosophical goals, or motivational speeches. Rather, we will be "strengthened with MIGHT." This is Divine might, and not the accentuation of natural faculties. It is the "might" referred to in Ephesians 6:10. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." It is not possible to be spiritually strong in fleshly or natural power.

This "might" is transcendent to any power of this world. It requires the opening of the eyes of our understanding to discern its greatness. As it is written, "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe" (Eph 1:18-19). This is the power that is required in order for Christ to dwell in our hearts by faith! Because this power was primarily exhibited in the resurrection of Christ, it is also called "the power of His resurrection" (Phil 3:10).

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank you for providing the effective means through which Christ can dwell in my heart.

-- Tomorrow: THE SOURCE OF THE STRENGTH --