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.”

Context:The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, and it addresses various aspects of Christian doctrine and practical living. In Ephesians 3, Paul emphasizes the mystery of the gospel, the unity of believers, and his prayer for the Ephesian believers.

Prayer for Strengthening:In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul offers a prayer for the Ephesian believers, asking God to strengthen them with might by His Spirit in the inner man. This verse specifically focuses on the empowerment and strengthening of believers through the Holy Spirit.

God’s Provision:The verse begins by acknowledging that God is the one who grants or provides strength to believers. It highlights that God’s provision is based on “the riches of his glory.” This phrase emphasizes the abundance and limitless resources that God possesses, showing that His strength is inexhaustible.

Strengthened in the Inner Man:The phrase “strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” suggests that the strengthening takes place internally, within the inner being or the spiritual aspect of believers. It implies that God’s strength empowers believers at the core of their being, impacting their thoughts, emotions, and character.

Divine Enablement:The strength mentioned in this verse is not something believers can generate on their own but is granted by God through the Holy Spirit. This divine enablement provides believers with the power and fortitude needed to navigate the challenges of the Christian life, to resist temptation, and to grow in spiritual maturity.

Application:Ephesians 3:16 encourages believers to depend on God’s strength rather than relying solely on their own abilities. It reminds them that they have access to a supernatural source of power through the Holy Spirit, which can transform their inner being and enable them to live out their faith effectively.