Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Eph.3:15-17) indicates that we get power (might) from Christ’s Spirit (which lives in our spirit) to strengthen our inner man by faith (The inner man is the heart, heart of flesh mentioned in Eze.36:26 or the very center of who we are in our soul (mind, will and emotions)). However, this does not happen automatically. To increase this power and grow stronger in Christ, in our minds, requires repeated actions of faith on our part.

We must exercise our faith (Faith without works is dead (James 2:26), which then causes it to grow stronger as a result of our being able to witness the power of this faith overcoming the tribulation (Evil) surrounding us. As this process is repeated over and over again we learn how to gain victory over each and every trial we face. Our mind grows stronger and stronger in Christ, which allows us to manifest more and more of God’s power.

This is a growing process, not a one-time event, which Jesus, himself, went through. (Hebrews 5:8 - Though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.) (Luke 2:40 - And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.)

As we are strengthened (grounded) by the faith in our inner man, already given to us when we are born again (Rom 12:3), but exercised by actions from us, guided by Holy Spirit knowledge (Jhn 16:13), we begin to conquer more and more situations in life. As we witness the victorious results of these conquests of faith, we begin to experience the essence of that applied knowledge, which is to know (experience) the love that God has for us. (1John 4:16 - And we have known and believed the love that God hath for us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.) This experiential knowledge of that love will take us far beyond the mere intellectual knowledge (Eph 3:19) perceived by the five senses and will begin to rule in our mind, to give us the ability to bring every thought into captivity unto obedience to Christ. (2Cr.10:5) These Godly thoughts then bring life to the dead portions of our mind and fuel our actions to bring Godly change to all those carnal areas within ourselves and at the same time become a witness for Jesus Christ to others around us in a much greater way than we could ever image. (Study 1 Cr. 13) The end result is the development of a mindset within our souls like Paul had when he wrote Romans 8:35-39.  

The proof that this process has been put in place in one’s life is further confirmed by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) being displayed through us, working great benefit, not only for ourselves, but for others we come in contact with, Acting as a catalyst to the Spirit of Christ in us, producing life, which transcends this natural life, creating a heritage for us, rooted in the eternal reality of heaven and adding unfading glory to the Kingdom of God.

If fear is present in any given situation we face, it is an indication that this principle of Christ has not been perfected in that area of our mind where fear resides. Prefect love casts out fear. (1John4:17)

12-9-2009
Wayne Wade