The Inner Man

When Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount he focused intently on the heart. The heart referring to the inner man, man’s core what makes him who he is. Man can fool those around him by putting on a façade. He indicated this with the priest praying and the rich man’s showy giving.

He desires a people who are holy and pure without spot or wrinkle. He looks upon the heart. When you fill your core with garbage; porn and immoral thoughts you are corrupting the soul from the inside out. Jesus says, to think of adultery in your heart is the same as committing the act.

We find that the intent or motive behind our acts of ministry determine how they will be received. If we minister to the hungry for the glory of man it is worthless. When we minister to give God glory there is a reward stored up in heaven for us.

When we come to Christ scriptures state the old has passed away and ALL things have become new. It is not referring to our clothing. The inner man is transformed. Romans 12 (NLT) 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

As we make Christ Lord of our lives we allow him to transform us from the inside out beginning with our mind. This cannot be done on our own due to man being corrupted by sin. Our human nature does not allow for man to seek anything but selfish pleasure which ultimately leads to continued sin. Paul wrote, “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”

Only Christ can transform the inner man. Galatians 5:19-26 ESV “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ...”

When you live for Christ you will produce fruit that is good. He actually chose each of us to produce good fruit. In Matthew, Jesus states, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, I have chosen you to produce good fruit.” A believer’s life will radiate with these characteristics, the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit will not manifest without the transformation or renewing of the inner man.

Did you ever hear, “Garbage in/Garbage out” this referred to data entered in to the computer? It applies to our mind as well. Who can prosper by allowing the works of the flesh: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these to fill their minds?

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

The God of peace will be with you! The Holy spirit leads us and guides us as we submit to God. This is not a journey in which God has abandoned us or left us on our own. Imagine a world where all embrace transformation allowing God to create a heart of love and joy.