We have seen that God initially installs the new man within us, and it is our responsibility to nourish him. Although we are to put on the new man, clothing ourselves with Christ's mind, it is Christ who clothes us with His Father's own promise, the Holy Spirit. With that power from on high, we are able to recognize and overcome Satan's deceptions. God empowers us with the ability to overcome our reticence to change ourselves. In fervent prayer to the God who works with us to form the new man, let us ask for strength to walk steadfastly in that new way, always true to the better covenant we have made. Let us ask for endurance, lest, becoming discouraged, we succumb to the deception of Satan and return to the walk of the old man.

Fasting, though it deprives the physical body of nutrition and strength, adds conviction and depth to the inner, spiritual man. Strengthening the inner man requires intense effort on our part, as spiritual exercise is not a passive, no-effort situation but demands struggle and exertion. Like building physical muscle through resistance, godly character—the strength of the inner man—grows by counteracting the downward pulls of human nature. Fasting represents a process of tearing down old, enslaving habit patterns, allowing for the regeneration of spiritual strength when we submit to God after our efforts. Through fasting, we become full partners with God in developing our spirituality, taking a firm stand against fleshly pulls and demonstrating our helplessness and dependency, while God replaces carnal tendencies with His Holy Spirit to build holy character. This ongoing process fosters continuous growth in the strength of the inner man.

The power of God is the beginning and the end of salvation; everything is of Him and of His power. The process of Christian conversion and ultimate salvation is a demonstration of the power of God in us. Paul emphasizes the power of God working in us, stating in Ephesians 1:19 that it is the immeasurable greatness of His power in us who believe. This power is not static; it is an energetic force that comes from the ocean of God's might, which is limitless and infinite. Paul prays that the Ephesians will know the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. This power is described as energy, a strength that overcomes, prevails, and conquers, originating from the might of God. The energy of the strength of God's might has been manifested in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, illustrating the might of God because it is the proof that every obstacle, hindrance, and enemy set in our path will be overcome. The raising of Jesus Christ from the dead is proof positive and absolute that even the last enemy, death, has been conquered and defeated. We can advance spiritual strengthening by dependence on God, having the joy of God, prayer in accordance with God's Word, gaining wisdom, quietness and confidence in response to God, waiting on God, and dependence on God's grace. These actions help remove obstacles of weakness, allowing the power of God to work more effectively in us.