1. The Christian Has Potential Inner Strength By The Holy Spirit - Eph. 3:16 The "inner man" (eso) is the spiritual man as distinguished from the outer or fleshly man The Christian’s Potential

2. The Christian Has Potential Inner Strength By The Holy Spirit - Eph. 3:16 This inner man is strengthened by the Spirit of God – It was the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal the mind of God - Cf. 1 Cor. 2:9-13; Gal. 1:11-12 – We are strengthened by it as we feast on the words revealed by the Holy Spirit - cf. Gal. 3:1-2; 2 Cor. 4:16 The Christian’s Potential

3. The Christian Has Potential Inner Strength By The Holy Spirit - Eph. 3:16 The strength we receive comes through the instructions given by the Holy Spirit - cf. Eph. 3:3- 4; Col. 1:9-11 The Christian’s Potential

4. The Christian Has Potential Inner Strength By The Holy Spirit - Eph. 3:16 The Christian's potential is to be mighty in the face of trials due to his knowledge of the truth The Christian’s Potential

5. The Christian's Potential Is To Have Christ Dwelling In Our Hearts Through Faith - Eph. 3:17 The strength of the Christian by revelation of the Holy Spirit equals the indwelling of God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit! The Christian’s Potential

6. The Christian's Potential Is To Have Christ Dwelling In Our Hearts Through Faith - Eph. 3:17 The Holy Spirit reveals these truths which lead to our being filled with Christ and his teachings. We have Christ dwelling in us! - Cf. Rom. 8:8-14 and Gal. 2:20 The Christian’s Potential

7. The Christian's Potential Is To Have Christ Dwelling In Our Hearts Through Faith - Eph. 3:17 When we read and learn of Christ we fill ourselves with him! He dwells in us and we in him through his words - 1 Jn. 2:24-27; 4:15 The Christian’s Potential

8. The Christian's Potential Is To Be Rooted And Grounded In Love - Eph. 3:17 The word rooted is an agricultural metaphor – A tree sends its roots deep and is established – Strong winds and storms do not effect it! The Christian’s Potential

9. The Christian's Potential Is To Be Rooted And Grounded In Love - Eph. 3:17 The word grounded is a architectural metaphor – A house built on a firm foundation is grounded – Will not be easily destroyed The Christian’s Potential

10. The Christian's Potential Is To Be Rooted And Grounded In Love - Eph. 3:17 So is the Christian who is rooted and grounded in the love of the truth! - cf. Jn. 15:9-14 The Christian’s Potential

11. The Christian's Potential Is To Comprehend All Aspects Of The Gospel - Eph. 3:18 The word comprehend (Katalambano) "to lay hold of with the mind; to understand, perceive, learn, comprehend" (Thayer's Greek English Lexicon of The New Testament #2638 pg. 332). The Christian’s Potential

12. The Christian's Potential Is To Comprehend All Aspects Of The Gospel - Eph. 3:18 Learning and comprehending scriptures takes effort! Christ will not dwell in us by osmosis! - cf. Jn. 6:44-45; 1 Cor. 14:31 The Christian’s Potential

13. The Christian's Potential Is To Comprehend All Aspects Of The Gospel - Eph. 3:18 Many brethren have no problem spending hours at their favorite past time. However when it comes to bible study we somehow act and live as though God will miraculously fill us with his manifold wisdom! The Christian’s Potential

14. The Christian's Potential Is To Comprehend All Aspects Of The Gospel - Eph. 3:18 The Christian has the potential of having great inner strength, having the Godhead dwelling in them, being rooted and grounded in the truth, apprehending the breadth and length and height and depth of the gospel, but we must put forth the effort to reach that potential. It can be done and it must be done! The Christian’s Potential

15. Finally, The Christian Has The Potential To Be Filled With All The Fullness Of God - Eph. 3:19 This is being mature or perfected in Christ and his teachings The Christian’s Potential

16. Finally, The Christian Has The Potential To Be Filled With All The Fullness Of God - Eph. 3:19 This is walking in the steps of the Savior - 1 Pet. 2:21 The Christian’s Potential

17. Finally, The Christian Has The Potential To Be Filled With All The Fullness Of God - Eph. 3:19 In the Lord's "Sermon on the Mount" Jesus said, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" - Matt. 5:48 The Christian’s Potential

18. Finally, The Christian Has The Potential To Be Filled With All The Fullness Of God - Eph. 3:19 "The obvious wish of Paul's prayer is that Christians become more and more like the Lord whom they serve" (Caldwell pg. 148). The Christian’s Potential