Topical Bible: Spirit: Called "The Inner Man"

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "The Inner Man" is a biblical concept that refers to the spiritual aspect of a person, distinct from the physical body. This concept is rooted in the understanding that human beings are composed of both material and immaterial elements. The "inner man" is often associated with the heart, mind, and soul, representing the core of a person's spiritual life and relationship with God.

Biblical References:

1. Ephesians 3:16 · In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul prays for the believers, saying, "I pray that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being." Here, the "inner being" or "inner man" is the locus of spiritual strength and renewal, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

2. 2 Corinthians 4:16 · Paul contrasts the outer and inner aspects of a person: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day." This verse highlights the transient nature of the physical body compared to the enduring renewal of the spirit.

3. Romans 7:22 · Paul expresses his delight in God's law, stating, "For in my inner being I delight in God’s law." This indicates that the "inner man" is capable of understanding and rejoicing in spiritual truths, even amidst the struggles with sin.

Theological Significance:

The concept of the "inner man" underscores the importance of spiritual growth and transformation in the Christian life. It suggests that true change and maturity occur from the inside out, as the Holy Spirit works within the believer to conform them to the image of Christ. This inner transformation is essential for living a life that honors God and reflects His character.

Practical Implications:

1. Spiritual Renewal · Believers are encouraged to focus on the renewal of their inner man through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. This renewal is vital for maintaining spiritual vitality and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

2. Inner Strength · The strength of the inner man is crucial for enduring trials and temptations. As believers cultivate their relationship with God, they draw on His power to overcome obstacles and live victoriously.

3. Heart Transformation · The transformation of the inner man involves a change of heart and mind, leading to a life that increasingly reflects the values and priorities of God's kingdom.

In summary, the "inner man" is a central concept in understanding the spiritual dimension of human existence. It emphasizes the need for ongoing spiritual development and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Through the strengthening and renewal of the inner man, Christians are equipped to live out their faith authentically and effectively.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Nave's Topical Index

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;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Signs to Know the Inner Man, and the Mind That's Purged.
... The Signs to know the Inner Man by, are four ... hath four effects: The first is called
Illumination, which ... is he that in adversity, in discomfort of Spirit, and in ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xvi signs to know.htm

Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit.
... to the Father, that He may grant unto you, according to the riches of His glory,
that ye may be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.' It is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/fifteenth day the holy spirit.htm

The Broad Inner Horizon.
... beyond. Its limits are broad; broad as the home of man; with its enswathing
atmosphere added. It touches the inner spirit. It moves ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the broad inner horizon.htm

At the Dedication of a Church
... with all his might and main, in the inner and outer ... This interior God-man, formed
in the Image of God ... before the Creation; and there the pure spirit becomes the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxv at the dedication.htm

On the Sanctification of Man
... from sin, and in a conformity with God in the body of Christ through his Spirit. ...
of Christ, is weakened more and more by daily losses, and the inner man is day ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlix on the sanctification.htm

Living up in the Spirit Realm.
... Happy is the man who listens to the inner Voice, learns keenly how to hear distinctly
and accurately, and obeys. ... The spirit realm is the highest. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/living up in the spirit.htm

The Spirit of Power
... influence. We have, if we are Christian people, a Spirit given to us, and are
'strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the spirit of power.htm

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... anointing: that wherewith He anoints is called the oil ... of this Christ, with this
Holy Spirit, will be ... from the fresh oil having penetrated the whole inner man. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/thirtieth day the unction from.htm

At the Dedication of a Church
... temples are not made holy by being simply called the houses ... this is the true Life
in the Inner Temple of ... the entrance into union of the created spirit with the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxvi at the dedication.htm

The Face of Jesus
... A man cannot keep out of his face the dominant spirit of his life. ... That is the
reason women's faces reveal the inner spirit more than men's. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the face of jesus.htm