For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Ephesians 3:14-16 [ESV]
These next 5 verses of Ephesians are very important and significant for me and our family. I will explain more on that tomorrow. The big takeaway from these verses today is that whole aspect of the opportunity we have to receive strength and power here in this life through God’s Spirit Who lives IN us. You might notice that in my posts I tend to capitalize ‘in’ often. That is because that little word is so important in understanding what we have in our Salvation -> a power given by the grace of God to overcome whatever this world throws at us. That power comes through God being in us.
When my inner man was recreated (reborn) at the time of my salvation, that part of me was reconciled to God forever. At the same time, that part of me exists in this carcass of flesh here on earth. While my inner spirit desires to be with God, my flesh desires the things of this world. What is available to me is a power from God through His Spirit which resides in me to combat the desires of the flesh. When that relationship between my inner man and the Spirit of God Who lives in me, is nurtured, reinforced, and vibrant, there is power and ability to overcome anything this fleshly body tries to subvert in that relationship, and the strength I have to choose against a sinful action, is huge.
Application:
The application is obvious but putting that into practice is predicated on a love for God that is founded in the work He has done for me on the cross. Preaching the gospel to myself everyday kindles that love for my Savior because He first loved me. It is then that my desires are driven to know more about Him, spend more time with Him, and be more like Him.
Today’s Psalm:
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
Psalms 34:4-7 [ESV]
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.