COMPREHENDING THE MAGNITUDE -- Tomorrow:
"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 3:17-19)
He prays for "strength" within! How often this aspect of the faith-life is emphasized. "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, BE STRONG" (1 Cor 6:13, NASB). "Finally, BE STRONG in the Lord, and in the strength of His might" (Eph 6:10, NASB). "You therefore, my son, BE STRONG in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 2:1, NASB). This is the ability to stand against the gales of temptation and trial. It fortifies the soul for the sufferings of this present time.
This strength is for the "inner man." This is the "new man" (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), or "new creation" (2 Cor 5:17). It is the part of us that is "born again." That is the part that is to be hale and hardy. Here, in this aspect of our natures, we are to be robust and energetic. This is the part of our being that is underscored in Scripture. If we are weak in any way, it is not to be in this part of our nature. It is possible to be strong intellectually, yet weak spiritually. An individual can have a strong physical constitution and be on the verge of death within.
It is tragic that so much of contemporary religion leaves the inner man weak and debilitated. Regenerated people cannot live on hype, cold information, or an institutional emphasis. The great commission to Peter was "Feed my sheep" (John 21:16). Prominent leaders in the body of Christ were admonished, "to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). The reason for these admonitions is clear: God's people cannot survive the race to glory unless they are "strong!"
After Paul had preached and taught faithfully, he prayed. He knew that Divine involvement is required if spiritual strength is to be realized. Men--godly men--can plant, and they can water, but only God can give the "increase" (1 Cor 3:6-7). Strength in the inner man is an aspect of this "increase." Spiritual strength is evidence of growth in Christ Jesus!
The "inner man" is where ALL spiritual qualities exist! Whether it is faith, hope, or love--all are within the "inner man." The "fruit of the Spirit" is there (Gal 5:22-23; Eph 5:9). The "whole armor of God" is appropriated there (Eph 6:10-17). The essential characteristics of the kingdom of God-- "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 14:17)--are all in the "inner man." Repentance occurs here, together with "the good fight of faith." To be strong in the "inner man" is to excel in all of these qualities!
Remember, this strength is a gift--it is "granted," or given by the Father Himself, because of the Son.
PRAYER POINT: Father, regardless of my physical or intellectual capacities, in the name of Jesus, help me to be strong in my inner man.