What Does The "Inward Man" Refer To?

A querist asks, In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul mentions the "inward man." What does the "inward man" refer to?

The text in 2 Corinthians 4:16 states:

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."

The "outward man" in the above passage, is referring to the physical part of man that will eventually die (James 2:26; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Peter 1:13-14).

The "inward man" in the above passage, refers to the spiritual part of man or "soul" of man (Matthew 10:28); that part of man which contains the intellect, emotions, and will (Psalm 35:9; Psalm 42:11; Matthew 26:38; John 13:21; 2 Corinthians 8:12,19).

The "inward man" is that part of man that is accountable to God's law (Romans 7:22-23), and is strengthened by it when properly studied and applied (cf. Acts 17:11; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 3:16; Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 1:9-11; Colossians 3:9-10; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:13-14).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets