Breaking The Outer Man: Releasing the Spirit for God’s Purpose

The story of the rich man in Matthew 19 is one that strikes at the heart of Christian discipleship and self-denial. In this passage, a rich young man approaches Jesus and asks, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

Jesus points him to the commandments, and the man responds that he has kept all these, then asks, “What do I still lack?” Jesus tells him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The man walks away sad because he has great wealth.

Jesus remarks, “It is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’

This narrative reveals the grip that material possessions can have on the human heart. Despite outward adherence to God's commandments, the rich young man’s attachment to his wealth hindered his ability to fully surrender to Christ.

Wealth in itself is not evil, but it can create a barrier to trusting God fully. The rich man’s unwillingness to part with his possessions shows that his wealth had become his god. It highlights the challenge of prioritizing God above all else and sets the stage for understanding the concept of breaking the outer man, as it calls believers to confront their own attachments and yield fully to Christ.

Human limitations remind us that salvation cannot be earned through human effort, wealth, or merit; it is beyond human capability. However, God’s power transforms what is impossible for humans into reality. Salvation is a gift that comes from God, not something we can achieve on our own. It is through His grace and power that we can experience the fullness of eternal life and overcome the barriers created by our human nature and attachments.

In essence, this verse highlights the transformative power of grace that changes our nature and the miraculous power of grace that makes salvation and divine intervention possible when human effort fails.

The Role of Disposition

Disposition, in the Christian context, refers to a person’s inner attitude, character, or mindset toward God, faith, and moral living. It reflects the readiness of the heart and mind to receive God’s grace, obey His commandments, and align one’s life with His will. A proper Christian disposition involves humility, faith, love, and a willingness to trust and follow God. It emphasizes the importance of an individual's internal posture, which reflects their relationship with God and influences their actions and decisions.

Key aspects of a Christian disposition include openness to grace, the state of your heart in spiritual matters, and being in a state of spiritual and emotional readiness. This readiness means being prepared to receive, respond to, and act on God’s Word, grace, and direction. Additionally, a proper disposition involves approaching worship with a heartfelt and God-centered attitude, ensuring it is not merely a ritual or external act but a genuine expression of devotion.

If you find yourself lacking in any of these areas, there are steps you can take to cultivate a proper disposition starting with self-examination as it is crucial to ensure that your life aligns with God’s will. Repentance is another vital step, as it allows you to turn away from sin and seek forgiveness, approaching God with a clean heart. Prayer and meditation provide time for intentional communication with God, helping to deepen your relationship with Him.

Receptiveness to God’s Word is also essential. Actively listening to Scripture and being willing to act upon it can help align your life with God’s will. Developing a moral disposition means choosing good over evil and embodying virtues such as love, patience, and forgiveness. These qualities reflect a Christlike disposition and demonstrate a heart fully surrendered to God.

By cultivating a proper disposition, believers position themselves to embrace God’s transformative work. His grace can then shape their hearts and lives, allowing them to grow spiritually and live in alignment with His purpose.

The Shunammite Woman: A Story of Faith, Hospitality, and the Impact of Godly Disposition

The story of the Shunammite woman, found in 2 Kings 4:8-37, is a profound account of how the disposition and character of Elisha, a prophet and successor of Elijah, impacted a woman and her household in extraordinary ways. Elisha, known for his devotion to God and his role as a spiritual leader among the Israelites, frequently traveled through a town in Israel called Shunem as part of his ministry.

In Shunem lived a wealthy woman who, along with her husband, was deeply moved by the presence and mission of Elisha. Recognizing him as a man of God, she was inspired to extend her support to him in a meaningful way. Together, the couple prepared a special room in their home, where Elisha could stay whenever he passed through their town. This upper room, furnished with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lampstand, became a sanctuary for Elisha—a place where he could rest and recharge during his journeys.

After staying in the home of the Shunammite woman and her husband, Elisha sought a way to bless them in return for their kindness. He turned to his servant, Gehazi, and asked what could be done for them. Gehazi pointed out that the couple was childless and that the woman's husband was elderly, making it unlikely they would have a child.

Moved by their generosity, Elisha prophesied that the woman would have a son within the next year. Initially, she expressed doubt, saying, “Don’t lie to me, man of God.” Yet, God fulfilled Elisha’s words, and the woman gave birth to a son as promised. This miraculous blessing became a testament to God’s faithfulness and Elisha’s role as His prophet.

As the boy grew older, tragedy struck. While working in the fields, he suffered a fatal injury and died. In her grief, the Shunammite woman carried her son to the room Elisha had used and laid him on the bed. Without telling her husband, she set out on a determined journey to find Elisha, riding a donkey to Mount Carmel where the prophet was staying.

Overwhelmed with anguish, the woman fell at Elisha’s feet and pleaded for his help. She cried out, “Did I ask for a son, my lord? Didn’t I say, ‘Do not raise my hopes?’” Touched by her sorrow and faith, Elisha returned to her house with Gehazi.

Elisha entered the room where the boy lay lifeless and began to pray earnestly. Then, in an extraordinary act of faith, he stretched himself out over the child—mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, and hands to hands. Through Elisha’s heartfelt prayers and God’s miraculous power, the boy’s life was restored.

Elisha presented the boy, alive and fully healed, to his mother, bringing an incredible resolution to their sorrow. This event not only demonstrated God’s ability to work through His prophet but also highlighted the transformative power of faith and divine intervention.

Elisha’s disposition—marked by his faith, purpose, and connection to God—had a profound effect on the Shunammite woman. Her respect and admiration for the prophet led her to make this heartfelt gesture, setting the stage for a story of divine blessings and miraculous intervention that would unfold because of her hospitality and faith.

Returning to the beginning of the story, it’s important to note that Elisha had not yet performed any miracles or delivered any prophetic messages during his travels through Shunem. Despite this, there was something remarkable about Elisha that caught the Shunammite woman’s attention—a quality so profound that she felt compelled to make a special room for him in her home, ensuring he had a place to stay whenever he passed through.

She expressed her conviction to her husband, saying, “Now I know that this man who continually passes through unto us is a holy man of God.” The story also mentions that each time Elisha passed by, he would stop and share a meal with them. Remarkably, the woman identified him as a man of God simply by observing the way he took his meals.

While the text does not provide specific details, there are insightful possibilities as to what this might have entailed. Perhaps Elisha had a habit of thanking God before eating, demonstrating a heart of gratitude. He might have eaten with moderation and mindfulness, avoiding gluttony and instead displaying humility and simplicity. His demeanor and attitude could have exuded peace, patience, and joy—traits often associated with someone deeply connected to God. As a prophet who ultimately performed more miracles than any other known prophet, it’s clear that Elisha lived in close relationship with God.

The key takeaway from this part of the story is the profound impression Elisha’s disposition left on the Shunammite woman. His character, attitude, and mindset reflected those of a true man of God. It was not his words or miracles that initially convinced her of his holiness, but rather his everyday behavior and the way he carried himself—a testament to the power of a godly disposition.

Today, we are challenged to reflect on an important question: What impression are you giving to others?

If our outer man—the self-centered nature, habits, and attitudes—is not broken, then the impression we leave on others will be nothing more than an expression of that outer man. It is through the breaking of the outer man that the true spirit within us, the essence of God’s work in our lives, can shine through.

God desires that our spirit be released, for it is only through this release that His love, grace, and truth can be fully expressed. Likewise, the body of Christ—the church—requires this release of the spirit to build meaningful connections, strengthen faith, and spread His message to the world.

However, this cannot happen if the outer man remains intact. When the outer man dominates, the impression we give to others is rooted in self, rather than in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. To truly reflect God’s nature and make a lasting impact, our outer man must be broken, allowing the spirit to flow freely and authentically touch the lives of those around us.

Peter’s Transformation: From Impulsive Disposition to Spirit-Led Apostle

In the Gospels, one of Peter’s greatest challenges in his walk with the Lord was his disposition. He was impulsive, overconfident, and prideful—traits that often hindered his ability to fully align with God’s purpose. Yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter underwent a remarkable transformation, breaking through his outer man and allowing his spirit to be released.

Peter’s impulsiveness was evident in several instances. He boldly asked to walk on water but overwhelmed by doubt, began to sink. In another moment, he impulsively used violence to defend Jesus, cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant. His overconfidence also led him astray. He declared that he would never deny Jesus, yet he denied Him three times when faced with fear and pressure. When Jesus spoke of His impending suffering and death, Peter rebuked Him, saying, “This shall never happen to you!” to which Jesus sharply responded, “Get behind me, Satan!”

Despite these flaws, Peter’s disposition was transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost, he emerged as a bold preacher and a foundational leader in the early church. No longer driven by impulsiveness or overconfidence, Peter humbly acknowledged his past failures and relied fully on God’s grace. His passion, once misdirected, was channeled into steadfast faith, even to the point of martyrdom. Peter was crucified upside down, a testament to his humility and dedication to Christ.

A key indication of Peter’s transformed disposition is seen in the book of 2 Peter, where he commends Paul, even though Paul had once rebuked him publicly. Rebukes often offend, but Peter’s ability to honor Paul demonstrates that the troublesome pride within him had been removed. This change was not something Peter could achieve on his own. As Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter’s life serves as a powerful example of how God can transform even the most challenging dispositions into vessels of His grace and glory.

The Journey of Sanctification

The disciples once asked Jesus, “Who then can be saved?” To this, Jesus replied, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” These words remind us that overcoming the challenges of our disposition is not something we can accomplish on our own. Breaking through the barriers of our nature is impossible for us, but entirely possible through the work of the Lord.

Our disposition often reveals areas where the outer man must be broken. For example, someone who is easily offended or quick to anger demonstrates a weakness in their disposition. In contrast, a wise person is slow to respond and quick to listen, reflecting a character that is more aligned with God’s nature. Breaking through these struggles allows the Spirit within us to be released and paves the way for true transformation.

This breaking of the outer man initiates the journey of sanctification—the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Sanctification transforms us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, helping us to live in alignment with God’s will. It is through this process that we grow in patience, humility, and grace, shedding the limitations of our old nature and embracing the fullness of life in Christ. Ultimately, it is not our strength but God’s power that enables us to overcome our disposition and walk in the freedom and purpose He desires for us.

Lessons From Breaking a Horse

A powerful analogy to better understand breaking the outer man is the process of breaking a horse. Picture yourself as the horse and God as the rider, guiding you through this transformative process to release your spirit for His purposes.

Every horse must undergo some form of "breaking" or training to become useful and safe for riding or work. This process does not destroy the horse's strength, spirit, or vitality. Instead, it channels its raw energy into controlled, purposeful action. The horse retains its full power, but now that power is guided by the rider’s will rather than its own. Through this training, the horse learns to trust and obey, responding to the rider’s signals with sensitivity and cooperation.

Wild or untamed horses require a more intensive breaking process because they lack prior exposure to humans or training. Similarly, for individuals who are spiritually unrefined or resistant, the process of breaking the outer man may be more intensive, as their will must be aligned with God’s.

Domesticated horses, on the other hand, often need gentler breaking. Having been raised around humans, they are more familiar with trust and obedience. Likewise, individuals who are already sensitive to God’s voice may find the process of breaking the outer man less difficult, focusing more on refining specific areas in their character.

Even among domesticated horses, temperaments vary. Gentle or naturally submissive horses may require minimal correction, making their training smoother. Yet, all horses, regardless of temperament, need discipline and guidance to reach their full potential, whether for riding, work, or competition.

In the same way, God tailors His work in us to meet His divine purpose for our lives. The process of breaking the outer man is not about diminishing our unique personalities, gifts, or strengths. Rather, it is about bringing them under His guidance so that our lives reflect His will. Like a well-trained horse, our raw potential is transformed into purposeful action, directed by the One who knows us best and leads us with perfect wisdom.

Parallels Between Breaking a Horse and Breaking the Outer Man

Raw strength becomes controlled power / Human strength is submitted to God’s will

Trust in the rider is established / Trust in God’s sovereignty is developed

A process that requires patience / Sanctification is a gradual process

Resistance is natural at first / Humans naturally resist surrendering to God

Spiritual Parallel: Does Every Christian Need to Be "Broken"?

Yes, every Christian, regardless of their disposition, needs some degree of "breaking" of the outer man to fully live out God’s purposes. This breaking is not about diminishing who we are but about aligning our will with God’s and allowing His Spirit to flow through us. The depth and intensity of this process, however, vary based on individual circumstances:

1. Those Far from God (Spiritually Wild)

Some individuals are resistant to God’s authority, much like wild horses untouched by human hands. They live independently of God, often relying on their own strength and desires. For these individuals, the breaking process can be more intensive as they must first recognize and surrender their need for God’s guidance. Their transformation begins with submitting to His authority and allowing Him to shape their lives.

2. New Believers (Untrained but Open)

New believers, while eager to follow God, often need guidance to align their lives with His Word. They may not resist God’s authority but require the "training" of spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. This process helps them grow in faith and learn to walk in obedience to God.

3. Naturally Humble or Yielding Dispositions

Some individuals, due to their natural temperament or life experiences, may more readily submit to God. Their disposition allows them to be more open to His work, and their breaking process may be gentler. However, even these individuals need refinement and discipline to fully surrender their lives to God and serve Him effectively.

4. Believers with Specific Callings

Christians called to greater roles or leadership often undergo more intensive breaking, similar to horses trained for specialized tasks like racing or heavy work. These believers are prepared through trials and challenges to fulfill their unique purpose in God’s kingdom. For example, figures like Joseph, Moses, and Paul faced significant hardship as God shaped their character and prepared them for their extraordinary callings.

The Goal of Breaking

Whether the process is gentle or intense, the goal of breaking the outer man is always the same: to release the spirit within and allow God to use us for His purposes. Just as a well-trained horse becomes more effective under its rider’s guidance, a broken and yielded Christian becomes a vessel for God’s power, grace, and love to flow into the world.

Breaking is Universal

The breaking of the outer man is a universal necessity for all believers. Regardless of personality or background, every Christian must undergo this process to fully align with God’s will and reflect His character.

1. Inherited Sin Nature

All humans are born with an innate tendency toward self-will and sin, as Scripture reminds us: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This sin nature makes breaking essential for everyone, as it is the only way to overcome the dominance of self and allow the Spirit to take control.

2. Spiritual Growth

Breaking is an integral part of sanctification—the process through which believers are shaped into the image of Christ. As Romans 8:29 declares, God’s purpose is for us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. This transformation requires that the outer man be broken so the Spirit within can shine through.

3. Dependence on God

Even those with the most willing hearts must learn to depend fully on God rather than relying on their natural strength or wisdom. As Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Breaking is necessary to cultivate this dependence, teaching us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own.

Every believer needs the breaking of the outer man to align with God’s will. However, the method and intensity of this process vary depending on individual circumstances, temperament, and calling. Some may experience a gentler breaking, while others may endure more intense trials, but the outcome is the same: the Spirit is released, and the believer becomes a vessel for God’s work.

Just as a horse and rider must work in unity to achieve their purpose, the breaking of the outer man brings the believer’s life into harmony with the Spirit. This alignment enables greater effectiveness in God’s work, deeper fellowship with Him, and the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in the believer’s life. Breaking is not about diminishing who we are; it is about transforming us into vessels that reflect God’s glory and to fulfill His divine purpose.

1 Peter 1:3 Praise God who caused us to be born again into a living hope