The Inner Man

The Main Idea of the Sermon

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the meaning of the inner man in (2 Corinthians 4:16), showing the difference between the outward man who appears before people and the inward man whom God alone sees. He emphasizes the need for worship and spiritual life to come from depth, not merely external practices.

First: The Meaning of the Inner Man

• The inner man is the heart, the mind, the intention, and the true feelings that move a person’s life.
• Even if the outward man appears spiritual, God examines hearts and accepts only inner truth.

Second: Heartfelt Worship

• True prayer comes from the depth of the heart, not from reciting words.
• • The Pope gives many examples showing the difference between lip prayer and heart prayer: like the tax collector, the right-hand thief, and Hannah the mother of Samuel.
  • God wants worship “in spirit and truth,” meaning from the inside before the outside.

  Third: Harmony Between Inside and Outside

  • Sin, apology, giving, and service can all be practiced externally without having inner roots.
  • A true person is one whose tongue matches his heart, and whose actions match his inner intentions, not living in duality between appearance and inner reality.

  Fourth: Fruits of the Spirit and Inner Depth

  • True spiritual growth begins with the fruits of the Spirit: love, inner peace, joy, meekness, self-control…
  • These fruits are not gained through outward actions but through deep work within the heart.
  • Inner peace is a sign of a strong inner man who is not shaken by events or news.

  Fifth: The Value of Inner Work in Service

  • Service is not external activity or meetings or organization, but love and sacrifice that come from the inside.
  • Christ Himself served with deep inner love that appeared in all His works.

  Sixth: The Daily Renewal of the Inner Man

  • Whenever the body tires or the outward man weakens, God renews the inward man day by day.
  • True strength comes from the Holy Spirit working in the inner being
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