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The second evidence that we need help in our “inner
self” is that every Christian struggles in the walk with the Lord Jesus. In fact, all of us want a greater
relationship with God. We want to be godly, but sometimes our flesh is weak. Sometimes we want to sin, but
we know that would displease God. Let us admit that we are not what we want to be or what we should be. Anything
less is pride and arrogance. Some Christians depend on counselors to provide this help. There are times when
a good, biblically based Christian counselor is helpful. Yet, God has provided the greatest “tool” for spiritual
growth, spiritual recovery, and victory in the Christian life. This is the same “tool” we have been alluding
to above. Not only will “it” draw us into a deeper relationship with God, “it” will help us live a life that
pleases God.
The “Power Tool.” God has told us what this “tool” is in Ephesians 3:14-19 through
the Apostle Paul.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father . . . that He would grant you . . . to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you . . . may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge . . . (NASB) Eph. 3:14-19 In this passage, Paul tells us that he had been praying for these Ephesian Christians on his knees. That
was a wonderful sign of Paul’s humility and submission to God. It takes humility to kneel while praying. Some
have prayed while lying on the ground. These are signs of a humble person. Then Paul adds that he had asked
God do something for them. Paul was not interested in their outer appearance or outward conduct. He was concerned
about something inside them – their inner self.
1. In Eph. 3:14-19, what did Paul say that he wanted to occur in their inner self?
 2. According to Paul, who is needed to accomplish this task, and what is provided? The
result is described below.
The result will be a greater relationship with God and Christian life. Paul describes the result as Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith. Faith brings Him into our heart. “Is Jesus in your heart?” For a true Christian the answer is, “Yes!” But Paul means more than that. Paul says that the result will be that Jesus will fill our hearts and consume our attentions. Our love for Him will blossom and grow in every dimension. We will be like a fertilized garden. We will grow in every way. This happens because of the “power through His Spirit.” It occurs when the Holy Spirit has control of our lives.
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