Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; I. THE CHRISTIAN'S NEED OF STRENGTH. 1. The region where strength is required: "the inner man." It is in the moral and spiritual nature that reinforcement is required — to do the duty, to withstand the temptation, to stand steadfast although outwardly alone. To this end he wants stronger convictions and motives, clearer principles of action, and confirmed habits of well-doing. 2. Why does the inward man require this? (1) It is new born, and requires to grow. (2) It is an opposition principle. (3) It has a great work to accomplish. II. THE SOURCE WHENCE THIS STRENGTH IS DERIVED. It is the gift of God: not by growth and development within itself, or adaptation to its circumstances merely, but through the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. III. THE LAW OF ITS BESTOWMENT. "Through faith," i.e., the exercise of faith. 1. Directly towards God. 2. Indirectly through the believer obeying the impulses and directions of the Holy Spirit. (A. F. Muir, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; |
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