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 10 of 16

IN THE INNER MAN

" . . . in the inner man . . . " The strength to be ministered is localized in our "inner man"--our unseen part. Contrary to the doctrines of many, it is not deposited in the flesh, or outward man. While I do not doubt the existence of physical sensations and feelings of exhilaration, this is not a proper view of the glorious work of the Holy Spirit. Those who seek such things are pointed in the wrong direction, and will be subjected to deceptive influences. The sensual realm is one in which one comes closer to Satan than to God.

The "inner man" is the "inward parts" in which the law of God is placed (Jer 31:33). It is where thoughts, motives, loves, and hatreds exist. It is where the Divine imagery is found, particular as renewed in Christ Jesus (Col 3:10). Here is where the individual is a real Jew, and where genuine circumcision is experienced (Rom 2:29). It is the "inward man," where we "delight in the Law of God" (Rom 7:22). Additionally, Peter referred to it as "the hidden man of the heart" (1 Pet 3:4).

Because we live in a hostile world, and are clothed with a frail tent, this part of our persons must be "renewed day by day" (2 Cor 4:16). Should a person choose to neglect this part of their person, spirituality cannot be sustained. This is an alarming consideration! Scarcely can one find a Christian body where this is perceived and embraced. There is an appalling neglect of the inner man among the churches. I recognize it is not fashionable to make such an observation.

When our "inner man" is strengthened with resurrection power, our thoughts are spiritually stabilized and our manners made acceptable. In such strength we can draw close to the Lord, hear from Him, and walk with Him. Our capacity to receive from God thus enlarges, and our tolerance of the world diminishes.

When we are strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man, we become "strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom 4:20). Hope becomes dominant, and we set about to purify ourselves in the energy of that Divine strength. The ability to continue running the race and fighting the fight is granted, so that circumstance cannot thrust us from the course to glory.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for not leaving us "without strength."

-- Tomorrow: THE APPOINTED OBJECTIVE --