This past Sunday at Rhema South Coast, Pastor Larry continued our Re-imagine series with a heartfelt message on The Inner Man. Building on last week’s sermon, we explored how God strengthens us with power in our inner being to fulfil His purpose. It’s a call to look beyond the surface and allow God to transform the very core of who we are.
As Proverbs 24:10 says, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” This verse reminds us that it’s not the adversity itself, but our inner strength that matters. God doesn’t want us to faint—He wants us to stand firm. But for that to happen, we must allow Him to empower our inner man.
Let’s explore what it means to build and fortify the inner man. Read on and find out how we can overcome challenges and fulfil God’s purpose in our lives.
Understanding the Inner Man
The inner man refers to the spiritual core of who we are. As Pastor Larry explained, it’s the eternal part of us—the real you—that is reborn and renewed in Christ. While our physical bodies weaken over time, the inner man grows stronger as we mature in faith. This is the foundation of our connection to God and the source of our spiritual strength.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (AMPC) reminds us:
“May the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God].”
Our spirit, soul, and body are all important, but the spirit—the inner man—is where transformation begins. It’s here that God strengthens us with His power, fills us with His love. The inner man is where He establishes His character in us.
Missed Sunday’s sermon? Watch it here and discover how God strengthens your inner man for His purpose: Watch the full sermon.
Why Strengthen The Inner Man?
Pastor Larry highlighted three key reasons why God wants to empower our inner man:
- So Christ can live in us by faith.
- To root us in His love, making us unshakable.
- To fill us with His fullness, reflecting His character.
When God strengthens your inner man, the possibilities are endless. Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) declares: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
This means that no matter what challenges you face, God’s power is greater. His strength enables you to persevere, to reimagine what’s possible, and to fulfil His vision for your life.
The Four Dimensions of Power in the Inner Man
The New Testament mentions “power” over 250 times, and it’s not by accident. Pastor Larry explained the different aspects of power that God imparts to our inner man:
- Dunamis (δύναμις) (Inherent Power): Inherent power for miracles and acts beyond natural ability. This power enables boldness in faith, overcoming challenges, and walking in God’s purpose.
Acts 1:8 (NKJV): “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me.” - Exousia (ἐξουσία) (Authority): This is the authority to act, grounded in Christ. Matthew 28:18 (NKJV): “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” As believers, this gives us confidence over sin and adversity.
- Kratos (κράτος) (Dominion): This refers to God’s sovereign power, sustaining us in trials. Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV): “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” It’s the strength we lean on, knowing God is in control.
- Ischus (Physical Strength): Physical and mental strength to persevere.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30, NKJV).
Together, these dimensions of power help us navigate life with confidence and courage. We are equipped for every good work. This power isn’t about who we are but who God is. It’s about surrendering our weaknesses to Him.
Recognizing God’s Power in Your Life | Five Signs of a Strengthened Inner Man
Pastor Larry shared practical ways to recognize when God is strengthening your inner man. Here are five signs:
Transformation of Character: As Galatians 5:22-23 describes, the fruit of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”—becomes evident in your life.
Guidance and Wisdom: God’s Spirit leads you in decisions aligned with His will. “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13, NKJV).
Spiritual Gifts: The Spirit equips you with gifts to serve and build the church. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NKJV). Discovering your spiritual gifts is a sign of the Spirit’s work.
Boldness in Witnessing: “You shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8, NKJV). Sharing your faith becomes second nature. You can change lives.
Inner Peace and Assurance: You experience God’s peace, knowing you are His child. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16, NKJV).
God’s Power for His Purpose
God releases His power not for us to sit idle but to build His kingdom and establish His vision. He has called us to re-imagine a harvest beyond expectation—His 10inONE promise.
Ephesians 3:20 reminds us: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”
Pastor Larry shared that no struggle we face is wasted when we follow Jesus. Even when adversity comes, God’s hand is mighty and available to work through it all. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Jesus gave us authority over everything! Learn to deal with challenges and walk in His power. Discover more here.
Building Your Inner Man Daily
How can we strengthen our inner man? Pastor Larry shared some practical steps:
- Stay Consistent in Faith: Avoid being a yo-yo Christian. Trust God’s plan and stay rooted in His Word.
- Be Spirit-Led: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions, actions, and thoughts.
- Surrender Your Weaknesses: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV).
- Exercise Spiritual Gifts: Use the gifts God has given you to serve others.
- Focus on Eternal Perspective: Keep your eyes on what matters most—God’s glory and kingdom.
Living with Power and Purpose
God doesn’t strengthen us for our benefit alone. His power equips us to be His witnesses! We must serve others, and live lives that reflect His glory. Let’s commit to deepening our faith, walking in His power, and embracing His vision for our lives.
As we continue in the Re-Imagine series, I encourage you to focus on strengthening your inner man. With God’s power working within you, there’s no limit to what He can accomplish through your life. Take time this week to practise these steps and watch how God transforms your heart, mind, and relationships.
Prayer for Strengthening The Inner Man
Heavenly Father, thank You for strengthening us in our inner man. Help us to live by faith, rooted in Your love, and filled with Your fullness. Let Your power work in us and through us. Equip us to fulfil Your purpose.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
