TEXT: "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."-1 Peter 3:4

The hidden man is the unseen man, or the inward man, or the spiritual man. He is the new man who is renewed I knowledge after the image of Jesus Christ, who God created in righteousness and true holiness, Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10. He is in contrast to the seen man: the outward man; or the natural man; or the old man, Ephesians 4:22.

Furthermore, the hidden man has a spiritual body, just as the natural man has a natural body, 1 Corinthians 15:44. And so it is written, the first man Adam was made a living soul; the second and last Adam, who is Jesus Christ, was made a quickening spirit. The first man Adam is of the earth, earthly, Genesis 2:7; 3:19. The second man Jesus Christ is the Lord from heaven, heavenly, John 3:12, 13; 6:38, 62. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly, 1 Corinthians 15:44-49.

In addition, the hidden man, apart from knowing the things of man, also knows the things of God that have been freely given to man by God. Which things we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But, the spiritual man judges all things, yet he is not judged by any man, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16.

Although, the outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is renewed daily. For the light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the earthly house of this tabernacle, referring to the outward man, were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, referring to the hidden man, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:1-4.

Also, the hidden man has put off the former conduct of the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. And he has put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. He tells lies before, but now he speaks the truth. He gets angry, but he does not sin; he doesn't let his anger develop into wrath. He steals before, but now he steals no more. He doesn't allow corrupt communication proceed out of his mouth, but that which is good and edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. He doesn't grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby he is sealed unto the day of redemption. He is kind to every one, he is tenderhearted, he is forgiving, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven him.

And above all these things, the hidden man, who is also called the invisible man, or the spiritual man has put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance, and charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And the peace of God rules in his heart, to the which also he is called in one body with others; and he is thankful.

The word of Christ dwells richly in him, in all wisdom; he teaches and admonishes others in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in his heart to the Lord. And whatsoever he does in word or deed, he does all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. These are some features or characteristics of the hidden man. And any one who so desires to be as the hidden man, must as a matter of importance, possess these features.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Pastor K. C.