Romans 8:26-27

Romans 8:26-27

The Holy Spirit Intercedes for Us

Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

Rom 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

       1.      The Holy Spirit Holds Us When We are Weak – vs. 26a

a.       The verb ‘help’ that most translations use, seems terribly passive compared to the Greek word from which it is translated. Another way it could be translated is to ‘take hold of something or someone.’

                                                              i.      The Greek work for help is in the present tense which means that the ministry that the Holy Spirit is a continual one that does not end.

1.      Deuteronomy 31:6 

                                                            ii.      The Greek word for help is also in the active voice which means it is a dynamic ministry not a passive one that simply sits back and observes.

1.      2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

                                                          iii.      Finally, this word is in the indicative mood which mean that it is a matter of fact or an absolute reality. The help that the Holy Spirit gives is more permanent than the rocks and mountains we see around us.

1.      Hebrews 13:5-6 

       2.      More Often than not, We Don’t Even Know What to Properly Pray for – vs. 26b

a.       James 4:3 

       3.      The Holy Spirit Makes Intercession for Us – vs 26c

a.       With groaning that cannot be put into words

                                                              i.      The ministry of intercession is a triune one. In which, all the Godhead is involved.

1.      Galatians 4:6 

                                                            ii.      It is not only the Holy Spirit that intercedes for us but also Jesus Christ.

1.      Romans 8:34 

2.      1 John 2:1-2 

3.      Hebrews 7:23-25 

4.      John 17:9 

       4.      God Knows Intimately the Heart of the Believer – vs. 27a

a.       Matthews 6:7-8 

       5.      God Knows Intimately the Mind of the Holy Spirit – vs. 27b

a.       The intimacy of the trinity should give you great comfort as you pray knowing that your prayers go directly to God.

                                                              i.      Philippians 4:6-7 

       6.      The Holy Spirit Fulfills the Will of God by Making Intercession for the Believer – vs. 27c

a.       It may be surprising upon first read how Paul flips this relationship over on its head. It would seem the flow of his argument should continue to follow the work of the Holy Spirit, but I think that Paul changes this abruptly in order to emphasize the point that the ministry of intercession is a triune one that involves the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

                                                              i.      John 14:23-27