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Paul wrote the book of Ephesians to a very active and vibrant church. He was not admonishing this church because of problems trying to keep them afloat. This letter was written to encourage them to continue the good work. And not only that, but to grow deeper in their faith in Christ.
I believe that we have a very healthy church because it is grounded on the word of God. So, in some way this relates to the church of Ephesus. We should not grow complacent, but keep wanting more, keep growing in faith by strengthening the inner man.
As we read in the first chapter about our sanctification, we know that this is a continual process as we grow in the grace of God. This is relevant to new believers and also to those who have been serving Christ for many years.
Paul’s prayer for them is to be strengthened in faith by growing deeper in love.
I. God’s Love is a Transforming Power
 Verse 12 - We come to the Father through Jesus Christ, “I am the way, the truth and the life,” Jesus said, “no man comes to the Father but by Me.”
 But the idea that we have bold and confident access to the Father is a remarkable idea and counter intuitive to the way people often think about God.
 This is part of the “unfathomable riches of Christ” that Paul spoke of; these are the great truths that Paul brings to light.
 Most people see themselves as sinners who have no right to be bold or confident in their access to God. But if you would see yourself as an adopted son or daughter, then you would realize that your relationship to God has been completely defined by that great truth that you are now adopted as a son.
Illus. – My kids have boldness and confidence to come to me. They do not have to follow the same protocols that outsiders must follow. My kids can run to me and jump into my arms, jump on my lap, and have access to me and privileges that others do not have.
 You have to understand that God loves you unconditionally, but He loves you too much to leave you as you are; under the tyranny and bullying of the lies of the world. He wants to set you free to be all you can be in Christ.
 This is the foundation from which we start the journey of change.
 For this reason, Paul wrote, I bow my knees before the Father… This is Paul’s second powerful prayer for them -- and for us.

 To grow in strength, one must first be willing to submit to His power, because God is the source of our power.
James 4:6-8, But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
A. God strengthens the inner man
 The inner man is where the most ‘work’ has to be done.
 Verse 16 - Paul prays that God would grant, according to the riches of His glory, that you be strengthened with power in the inner man.
 The inner man is strengthened by the Holy Spirit. What difference would it make in your life if you were truly strengthened in the inner man by the Holy Spirit? Strong spiritual bearing comes from having a spiritual foundation and then building upon it.
2 Corinthians 4:16, Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
 What happens when the inner man is weak? Faith is weakened and then when storms and troubles come faith is shipwrecked. People with weak faith react in the flesh when offended, emotions become their master and they are easily defeated.
 Strengthen the inner man day by day. How? The Holy Spirit strengthens the soul; therefore, build your life spiritually and give attention to your soul. The Holy Spirit is the greatest personal inner growth coach of all time.
Illus. - How much time do we spend on the outer man, primping and prepping our appearance? How much time do we spend on the inner man?
 Could this be because people can’t see the inner man? Exercise is a good example of the difference between the outer man and the inner man.

Pastor Rich Jones
Pastor Matthew Dodd
Rich Jones Calvary Chapel
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
Calvary Chapel Hillsboro
Calvary Chapel Oregon
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