Paul considers the Christian's main task to be a qualitative change in spiritual life. There is, of course, nothing new in this appeal itself: the path of righteousness has always presupposed such a change. But now this change is achieved through...
Paul considers the Christian's main task to be a qualitative change in spiritual life. There is, of course, nothing new in this appeal itself: the path of righteousness has always presupposed such a change. But now this change is achieved through complete trust in Christ and with His direct participation. Christian life is the life of the Kingdom and life in the Kingdom, which is unthinkable without daily, direct fellowship with Christ as its King.
It is in this context that the apostle speaks of the "inner man," as if developing the theme of the inner Torah - a concept that in his day was well known to any Jew who took spiritual life at least somewhat seriously. But the inner Torah meant first of all the presence in a person of an inner spiritual and moral imperative that determined his whole life and was itself determined by God's inner presence and God's will, which the person understood as part of his spiritual space and as an inseparable element of his spiritual life.
The inner Torah presupposed a definite dynamic connected with the duality of fallen humanity, so that the inner imperative demanded from a person something different from, and often opposite to, his own nature. The appearance of the "inner man," however, meant that human nature itself was beginning to change. It was no longer merely raw material that had to be shaped by deliberate spiritual influences; from it something had already been built that was, to a certain extent, fit for life in the Kingdom.
Of course, the process is still far from complete, and full transformation is still far away. But the foundation of a new, transformed humanity has already been laid, and it is based on the presence of Christ, who has "dwelt" in the hearts of those who have trusted Him. From now on, all further spiritual work will take place with His direct participation - until the moment of the full triumph of the Kingdom and the full transformation of human nature.
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3:20 Now to him - This doxology is admirably adapted to strengthenour faith, that we may not stagger at the great things the apostle has been praying for, as if they were too much for God to give, or for us to expect from him. That is able - Here is a most beautiful gradation.When he has given us exceeding, yea, abundant blessings, still we may ask for more. And he is able to do it. But we may think of more than we have asked. He is able to do this also. Yea, and above all this.Above all we ask - Above all we can think. Nay, exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can either ask or think.
3:21 In the church - On earth and in heaven.