THE INNER MAN

THE INNER MAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 3:14-21

Key Verse:

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” — Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Romans 7:22; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 4:22-24; Ephesians 6:10; Colossians 3:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Psalm 51:10.

Description: This message teaches believers the importance of developing the inner man through the Holy Spirit, God's Word, prayer, and spiritual discipline so that they can live victoriously, remain steadfast in trials, and fulfil God's purpose.

INTRODUCTION

Every human being has an outward life that people can see and an inward life that is not always visible to others. The outward person includes our physical appearance, speech, activities, and public conduct, while the inner man refers to the inward spiritual life of the believer, including the heart, mind, attitudes, convictions, and spiritual disposition. Although people often concentrate on outward appearance, God is deeply concerned about the condition of the heart. A person may look strong outwardly but be weak inwardly, while another may experience physical weakness yet possess remarkable spiritual strength.

In Ephesians 3:14–21, Apostle Paul bows his knees before the Father and prays for the believers. One of his central requests is that they would be strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner man. Paul understood that Christian living requires more than outward religious activity. Believers need inward spiritual strength to withstand temptation, overcome discouragement, understand the love of Christ, remain faithful during tribulations, and live in the fullness of God's purpose. The inner man must be strengthened continually by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Many people pay attention to their bodies, careers, businesses, education, and public reputation but neglect their inward spiritual condition. They may appear successful while struggling with fear, bitterness, temptation, unbelief, or spiritual emptiness. However, lasting Christian victory begins within. When the inner man is strengthened, the believer receives grace to withstand external pressures without losing spiritual direction. God desires us not merely to look strong before people but to become spiritually strong through His Spirit so that our lives will reflect the character and power of Jesus Christ.

1. UNDERSTAND THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF THE INNER MAN

The inner man is the inward dimension of a person's life where spiritual convictions, attitudes, desires, thoughts, and decisions are formed. In the Christian context, it refers to the inward life that God renews and strengthens by His Spirit. It is where faith is exercised, the Word is received, convictions are established, and obedience begins.

The inner man influences the way we respond to life's circumstances. When it is spiritually weak, temptation may become more attractive, discouragement may become overwhelming, and pressure may easily lead to compromise. When it is strengthened by God, we can respond to challenges with faith, wisdom, patience, and self-control.

a) The Inner Man Is More Important Than Outward Appearance (1 Samuel 16:7)

When Samuel went to anoint one of Jesse's sons as king, he initially focused on outward appearance. God corrected him by declaring that people look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Our appearance, clothing, achievements, and public reputation do not necessarily reveal the true condition of our spiritual lives. A person may be admired by many people yet be inwardly filled with pride, envy, or spiritual emptiness. Another may receive little recognition but possess a heart that is faithful to God.

We must therefore examine our inward condition regularly. Instead of asking only how people see us, we should ask whether our thoughts, motives, desires, and attitudes are pleasing to God.

b) The Inner Man Is Renewed by God (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Paul declares that although the outward person perishes, the inward person is renewed day by day. This teaches us that spiritual renewal is a continual process. We cannot depend entirely on yesterday's prayer, yesterday's revelation, or yesterday's spiritual experience.

Every day presents fresh opportunities to receive God's Word, seek His face, repent where necessary, and grow in spiritual maturity. Even when physical strength declines or external circumstances become difficult, God can renew the inward life of a believer.

We should therefore develop habits that promote daily spiritual renewal, including prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, and obedience to the Holy Spirit.

c) The Inner Man Determines the Quality of Our Responses (Proverbs 4:23)

The Bible instructs us to keep our hearts with all diligence because out of them are the issues of life. Our outward behaviour is often influenced by what we permit to occupy our hearts.

When the heart is filled with bitterness, our words may become harsh. When it is controlled by fear, our decisions may become timid. When it is governed by pride, we may resist correction. But when our hearts are filled with God's truth, love, and wisdom, our conduct begins to reflect those qualities.

We must guard our hearts against destructive influences and deliberately cultivate thoughts that agree with God's Word.

d) The Inner Man Must Grow Towards Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 4:13-15)

Paul explains that believers are to grow towards spiritual maturity and the measure of the fullness of Christ. God's purpose is not for us to remain spiritually immature throughout our Christian journey.

Maturity involves growing in truth, love, discernment, humility, and stability. A spiritually mature believer does not abandon faith whenever circumstances become unfavourable or become easily deceived by every new teaching. Instead, the believer develops a firm foundation in Scripture and learns to walk consistently with Christ.

Biblical Example: Daniel's Excellent Spirit (Daniel 6:3-5)

Daniel distinguished himself because an excellent spirit was found in him. His public reputation was supported by inward integrity and faithfulness to God. Even when his enemies sought an occasion against him, they could not find corruption in his conduct. His life demonstrates that inward character is essential for sustaining outward excellence.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF INNER STRENGTH

Ephesians 3:16 teaches that believers are strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner man. This means that spiritual strength is not produced by human determination alone. We need the Holy Spirit to work within us, empowering us to live according to God's will.

Human effort has its place, but self-discipline without dependence on God cannot replace the transforming work of the Spirit. We need His power to overcome sinful desires, endure trials, cultivate Christlike character, and remain faithful to our calling.

a) The Holy Spirit Empowers Us From Within (Ephesians 3:16)

Paul's prayer reveals that God desires to strengthen His people inwardly according to the riches of His glory. The source of this strength is not our social status, education, natural ability, or personal connections. It is the mighty work of the Spirit of God.

When the Holy Spirit strengthens us, we receive grace to do what would otherwise be beyond our natural ability. We can forgive when bitterness seems easier, remain truthful when dishonesty appears profitable, and continue serving God when discouragement threatens to overwhelm us.

We must continually depend on the Holy Spirit rather than assume that yesterday's strength will automatically be sufficient for today's challenges.

b) The Holy Spirit Helps Us Overcome the Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:16)

Paul commands believers to walk in the Spirit so that they will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. The flesh represents our sinful desires and tendencies that resist God's will.

Victory over sinful habits requires more than making emotional promises. We must submit to the Spirit, renew our minds with Scripture, avoid situations that encourage temptation, and take practical steps towards holiness.

The Spirit does not merely expose our weaknesses; He empowers us to develop a life that pleases God. As we walk in obedience, the fruit of the Spirit becomes increasingly evident in our conduct.

c) The Holy Spirit Gives Us Power to Witness (Acts 1:8)

Jesus promised that the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to become His witnesses. The Spirit's work includes empowering believers to proclaim Christ and serve faithfully.

Some Christians know the truth but become intimidated when opportunities arise to share their faith. Others desire to serve but feel inadequate. We must ask the Holy Spirit for courage, wisdom, love, and the right words to communicate the gospel faithfully.

His power enables us to witness not only through preaching but also through integrity, compassion, service, and a life that reflects Christ.

d) The Holy Spirit Strengthens Us in Weakness (Romans 8:26)

Paul explains that the Spirit helps our infirmities and assists us in prayer when we do not know what we should pray for as we ought. This reveals God's compassion towards believers who feel weak or overwhelmed.

There are moments when our burdens seem too heavy for words. We may struggle to understand what is happening or how to pray effectively. In such seasons, we can turn to God in dependence, trusting the Spirit's help as we seek Him.

Weakness should not drive us away from God. It should remind us of our need for His grace and strengthen our dependence on His presence.

Biblical Example: The Disciples Empowered at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 14-18)

Before Pentecost, the disciples experienced fear and uncertainty. After the Holy Spirit came upon them, Peter stood publicly and boldly explained the gospel. Their transformation demonstrates how the Spirit empowers believers for courageous witness. This does not mean Christians never experience fear, but that the Spirit can strengthen them to obey God despite it.

3. THE WORD OF GOD NOURISHES THE INNER MAN

Just as the physical body requires nourishment to remain healthy, the inner man needs spiritual nourishment. God's Word reveals His character, corrects our thinking, strengthens faith, and guides our decisions. A believer who neglects Scripture may become spiritually vulnerable, even while remaining active in church programmes.

The Word must do more than pass through our eyes or ears. It must be received with faith, understood in context, meditated upon, and applied in daily living. Spiritual growth takes place as the truth of God shapes our inner convictions and outward conduct.

a) God's Word Is Spiritual Food (Matthew 4:4)

Jesus declared that humanity does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Just as food sustains the body, God's Word nourishes our spiritual lives.

We cannot expect to remain spiritually strong if we consistently neglect the Scriptures. Regular Bible reading helps us understand God's promises, recognise His instructions, and develop a sound foundation for our faith.

Make time to read and meditate on the Bible. Do not read merely to complete a chapter or fulfil a religious routine. Read with a heart that desires to know God and obey His truth.

b) God's Word Builds Faith (Romans 10:17)

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The more we understand God's revealed truth, the better equipped we become to trust Him amid uncertainty.

When challenges arise, our thoughts may be filled with fear and negative expectations. Scripture reminds us of God's faithfulness, wisdom, sovereignty, and promises. It teaches us to interpret our circumstances without abandoning our confidence in Him.

Faith grows as we listen to God's Word, believe what He has revealed, and act in obedience. We must not substitute empty positive thinking for biblical faith; genuine faith is rooted in the truth of God.

c) God's Word Cleanses and Corrects Us (Psalm 119:9-11)

The psalmist explains that a young person can cleanse his way by taking heed according to God's Word. He also speaks of hiding God's Word in his heart so that he might not sin against the Lord.

Scripture exposes attitudes and practices that need correction. It challenges pride, greed, dishonesty, impurity, unforgiveness, and every pattern that contradicts God's will.

When the Word reveals an area that needs change, we should not resist it or use it only to correct others. We should allow it to search our hearts, confess our failures, and take practical steps towards obedience.

d) God's Word Gives Direction in Confusing Seasons (Psalm 119:105)

The psalmist declares that God's Word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. A lamp may not reveal every detail of the journey at once, but it provides sufficient light for the next steps.

When you face important decisions, consult Scripture and seek God's wisdom. Consider godly counsel, examine the facts, and avoid making major decisions solely under emotional pressure. God's Word provides principles that help us distinguish between wise and unwise choices.

Biblical Example: Jesus Resisted Temptation With Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11)

When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus answered with the written Word of God. He did not allow hunger, pressure, or the enemy's suggestions to determine His actions. His example shows the importance of knowing Scripture and applying it correctly when temptation arises.

4. PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD STRENGTHEN THE INNER MAN

The inner man grows strong through a living relationship with God. Prayer is not merely a means of presenting requests; it is also an expression of dependence, worship, surrender, and fellowship with the Father. Through prayer, we bring our concerns before God and learn to submit our desires to His will.

A neglected prayer life can leave believers spiritually unprepared for challenges. However, consistent fellowship with God helps us cultivate spiritual sensitivity, receive wisdom, and remain connected to the One who gives strength.

a) Prayer Deepens Our Dependence on God (Philippians 4:6-7)

Paul teaches believers to bring their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. As we present our concerns to Him, His peace guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Prayer does not require us to pretend that problems do not exist. It invites us to acknowledge our needs while trusting God's wisdom and care. Instead of allowing anxiety to dominate our thinking, we can bring each concern before Him and ask for the grace to respond faithfully.

b) Fellowship With God Produces Spiritual Stability (Psalm 16:8)

David declares that he has set the Lord always before him and that he would not be moved because God was at his right hand. His confidence grew from a life directed towards God.

Consistent fellowship helps us develop stability that is not entirely dependent on favourable circumstances. We learn to remember God's presence in moments of joy, uncertainty, disappointment, and responsibility.

Build a daily pattern of prayer and worship. Even when you cannot spend a long time in prayer, maintain sincere fellowship with God throughout the day.

c) Waiting on God Renews Our Strength (Isaiah 40:31)

Isaiah teaches that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. Waiting on God involves trusting His timing, seeking His direction, and refusing to act in panic or disobedience.

Some answers do not come as quickly as we desire. In such seasons, we should continue praying, obeying Scripture, and carrying out our responsibilities. Waiting does not mean inactivity; it means remaining dependent on God while moving according to His wisdom.

d) Worship Helps Us Turn Our Attention Towards God (Psalm 34:1)

David declares that he will bless the Lord at all times and that God's praise will continually be in his mouth. Worship directs our attention towards God's character rather than allowing our circumstances to occupy the whole of our vision.

Worship is not a denial of pain. The Psalms show that believers can lament honestly while continuing to trust God. Singing, thanksgiving, and spoken praise can help us remember His goodness and remain spiritually attentive during difficult seasons.

Biblical Example: Daniel's Consistent Prayer Life (Daniel 6:10)

Even when a royal decree threatened his life, Daniel continued to pray as he had done before. His prayer life was not an emergency habit created by crisis; it was an established discipline. Because he had cultivated fellowship with God beforehand, he remained steadfast under pressure.

5. THE INNER MAN MUST BE GUARDED AGAINST SPIRITUAL CORRUPTION

Strengthening the inner man is not only about receiving spiritual encouragement. It also involves guarding the heart against attitudes, desires, and influences that weaken our relationship with God. A person can attend church regularly and still allow resentment, envy, pride, lust, or greed to grow inwardly.

We must therefore pay attention to what we entertain in our minds, what we permit in our hearts, and the habits we practise. Spiritual growth requires both nourishment and protection: we feed the inner man with truth and guard it against influences that oppose God's will.

a) Guard Your Heart Diligently (Proverbs 4:23)

The Bible commands us to keep our hearts with all diligence because the issues of life flow from them. The heart is a place where thoughts, motives, desires, and decisions are formed.

Be careful about the conversations you entertain, the content you consume, and the attitudes you repeatedly nurture. Not everything that attracts attention deserves a place in your heart. Ask God to help you recognise influences that gradually weaken your convictions or disturb your spiritual peace.

b) Put Away Bitterness and Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Paul instructs believers to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking, and to be kind and forgiving to one another. Bitterness can poison our thoughts, damage relationships, and affect our service to God.

Forgiveness does not mean denying wrongdoing or allowing harmful behaviour to continue unchecked. It means refusing to let resentment govern our hearts and entrusting justice to God while taking wise steps where necessary.

Ask the Lord to reveal any bitterness that you have been carrying. Seek His grace to forgive, establish appropriate boundaries, and pursue peace wherever it is possible and safe.

c) Resist Temptation Through Spiritual Discipline (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Paul teaches that God is faithful and will not allow believers to be tempted beyond what they can bear, but will provide a way of escape so that they can endure it. Temptation is a real part of Christian life, but we are not without help.

We must learn to recognise situations that make sin more attractive and take practical steps to avoid them. This may involve changing habits, limiting certain influences, seeking accountability, or withdrawing from compromising environments.

Do not wait until temptation becomes overwhelming before seeking help. Strengthen your convictions beforehand and choose obedience when the opportunity to sin presents itself.

d) Renew Your Mind With God's Truth (Romans 12:2)

Paul commands believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Spiritual transformation involves learning to think in ways that agree with God's truth.

If your mind is constantly occupied with resentment, fear, lust, greed, or hopelessness, your attitudes and actions will be affected. Replace destructive thought patterns with Scripture, prayer, truthful reflection, and habits that promote godliness.

Renewing the mind is a continual process. As we submit our thinking to God's Word, we become better able to discern His will and make decisions that honour Him.

Biblical Example: Joseph Fled Sexual Temptation (Genesis 39:7-12)

When Potiphar's wife repeatedly tempted Joseph, he refused to sin against God. Eventually, he fled from the situation rather than remain where temptation could overcome him. His example teaches us that spiritual strength includes taking decisive practical action to protect our integrity.

6. A STRONG INNER MAN PRODUCES A CHRISTLIKE LIFE

The ultimate purpose of strengthening the inner man is not simply to feel spiritually powerful. It is to become increasingly like Jesus Christ in our character, relationships, decisions, and service. God wants His truth to shape who we are inwardly so that our outward conduct reflects His grace and holiness.

A strong inner man enables believers to endure adversity, practise self-control, show compassion, resist temptation, and continue doing good. Spiritual strength is revealed not only in powerful prayer or public ministry but also in quiet obedience, faithful service, and Christlike behaviour in everyday life.

a) Inner Strength Produces Spiritual Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Paul identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These qualities reveal the Spirit's work in a believer's character.

A person may possess natural talent, influence, or eloquence without displaying these qualities consistently. But when the inner man is being transformed by the Spirit, our responses begin to reflect the character of Christ.

Examine your life honestly. Are you becoming more patient, loving, gentle, faithful, and self-controlled? Ask the Holy Spirit to develop His fruit in you, especially in the situations where your character is most severely tested.

b) Inner Strength Enables Us to Endure Trials (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Paul describes believers as troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. His words reveal that external pressure does not have to result in inward defeat.

Spiritual strength does not mean that believers never feel pain, grief, or exhaustion. It means that through God's sustaining grace, we can continue trusting Him even when circumstances are difficult.

When you experience trials, seek God's help and the support you need. Do not measure your spiritual condition solely by how comfortable you feel. Continue to walk in faith, even when you must take one step at a time.

c) Inner Strength Improves Our Relationships (Colossians 3:12-14)

Paul calls believers to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness, and love. These qualities are essential for healthy relationships in families, churches, workplaces, and communities.

Many conflicts become worse because people react from wounded pride, anger, jealousy, or a desire to dominate. A spiritually strengthened person learns to listen, speak truthfully, admit mistakes, forgive, and seek peace without abandoning biblical convictions.

Allow God to work on your character at home as well as in public. The strength of your inner man should be visible in how you treat your spouse, children, fellow believers, colleagues, and even those who disagree with you.

d) Inner Strength Equips Us for Faithful Service (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Paul encourages believers to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that their labour is not in vain. Faithful service requires more than an initial burst of enthusiasm; it requires endurance and a heart continually strengthened by God.

In ministry, business, family life, and other responsibilities, there will be seasons when progress appears slow or recognition is limited. A strong inner man helps us remain committed to doing what is right without becoming controlled by applause or disappointment.

Continue serving God with sincerity, developing your gifts, learning from correction, and treating people with love. Let your service flow from a heart that is being renewed by the Lord.

Biblical Example: Stephen, Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-60)

Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and God worked through him with power and wisdom. Even when he faced fierce opposition, he remained faithful to his testimony about Christ. At the end of his life, he prayed for those who were stoning him. His conduct revealed an inner life shaped by the Spirit and reflected the forgiving heart of Jesus.

CONCLUSION

The inner man is central to the believer's spiritual life. While outward circumstances may change and physical strength may decline, God desires to renew and strengthen us inwardly through His Holy Spirit. This strength is developed as we feed on God's Word, maintain fellowship with Him through prayer and worship, guard our hearts against corruption, and practise obedience in our daily lives. A strong inner man does not mean that we never experience weakness, grief, temptation, or pressure. It means that we learn to depend on God's grace and continue to walk faithfully even when life becomes difficult.

Therefore, do not concentrate only on outward appearance, achievements, public reputation, or religious activity. Give attention to the condition of your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you, allow Scripture to renew your mind, cultivate a consistent prayer life, and take practical steps to resist temptation and grow in godliness. Let your inward life produce the fruit of the Spirit, strengthen your relationships, and equip you for faithful service. May your inner man be renewed day by day until your life increasingly reflects the character, wisdom, and love of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, strengthen me with might by Your Holy Spirit in my inner man, and help me to grow in spiritual maturity and stability, in Jesus name.

2. O Lord, renew my heart and mind daily through Your Word, and remove every attitude and thought that is contrary to Your will, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome the works of the flesh and develop the fruit of love, patience, humility, faithfulness, and self-control, in Jesus name.

4. Father, rekindle my hunger for Your Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship with You, and establish me in a consistent life of devotion, in Jesus name.

5. O Lord, deliver me from bitterness, pride, envy, unforgiveness, and every hidden weakness that seeks to corrupt my inner life, in Jesus name.

6. Father, grant me wisdom and strength to recognise temptation early and to take practical steps that preserve my purity and integrity, in Jesus name.

7. Lord Jesus, strengthen me during trials and discouragement, and help me to remain faithful even when my circumstances are difficult, in Jesus name.

8. Father, let the fruit of the Holy Spirit become increasingly evident in my character, speech, relationships, and decisions, in Jesus name.

9. O Lord, strengthen me to serve You faithfully, use my gifts wisely, and fulfil the responsibilities You have entrusted to me, in Jesus name.

10. Father, renew my inner man day by day and make my life a clear reflection of the character and glory of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will be strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit in your inner man, and you will grow in spiritual stability, wisdom, and maturity as you continue walking with the Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. Your hunger for God's Word and your desire for prayer will increase, and you will develop a deeper and more consistent fellowship with your heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. You will not be controlled by fear, bitterness, pride, or destructive thoughts; through God's grace, you will learn to guard your heart and renew your mind with His truth, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You will receive grace to overcome temptation, reject sinful practices, and maintain integrity in your private life as well as in your public conduct, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You will not be abandoned to spiritual weakness; as you depend on the Holy Spirit, you will receive strength to remain faithful through challenges, disappointments, and seasons of waiting, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. Your character will increasingly reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and your words, decisions, and relationships will become instruments through which the love and wisdom of Christ are revealed, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. You will grow in discernment and understanding of God's Word, and you will receive wisdom to make decisions that honour Him in your family, ministry, work, and daily responsibilities, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. You will receive grace to forgive those who offend you, seek peace with wisdom, and respond to difficult people with truth, patience, and Christlike love, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. You will remain steadfast in your God-given assignment, and your inward strength will sustain you as you serve faithfully without being controlled by discouragement or the desire for human applause, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. Your inner man will be renewed day by day, and your life will increasingly demonstrate the character, faith, endurance, and love of Jesus Christ to the glory of God, in the mighty name of Jesus.