Romans 8:26
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
The photo above shows a statue of Moses holding The Ten Commandments on top of the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson, MS. (I suppose the ACLU hasn’t noticed since it is located so high and their minds are not interested in things above.)
Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites during the time of the Exodus, and lawyers intercede on behalf of their clients in courthouses all across America. Believers also have an intercessor as Jesus promised that the Father would send a Counselor to be with us after he had gone. This Counselor, The Holy Spirit, is active in many ways in God’s plan of redemption and Paul continues to explain the work of the Holy Spirit in verse 26. We are told that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness in prayer since we do not know what to pray for or how to do it. The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Paul had already mentioned the creation groaning and Christians groaning with anticipation and longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Therefore, the groaning of the indwelling Holy Spirit is not a groaning from indecision or confusion but is a ministering empathy for the plight of a redeemed sinner who has the attributes that Jesus outlined in the Beatitudes. The redeemed sinner, according to Jesus, is so convicted of sin that he mourns for his poor in spirit condition and longs for righteousness. I believe it is at this point of our weakness and futility that the Holy Spirit intercedes in support with groanings too deep for words.
Praise God that Jesus did send a counselor to minister and intercede on our behalf when, in our weakness, we do not know what to pray for or how to do it properly.
Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites during the time of the Exodus, and lawyers intercede on behalf of their clients in courthouses all across America. Believers also have an intercessor as Jesus promised that the Father would send a Counselor to be with us after he had gone. This Counselor, The Holy Spirit, is active in many ways in God’s plan of redemption and Paul continues to explain the work of the Holy Spirit in verse 26. We are told that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness in prayer since we do not know what to pray for or how to do it. The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Paul had already mentioned the creation groaning and Christians groaning with anticipation and longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Therefore, the groaning of the indwelling Holy Spirit is not a groaning from indecision or confusion but is a ministering empathy for the plight of a redeemed sinner who has the attributes that Jesus outlined in the Beatitudes. The redeemed sinner, according to Jesus, is so convicted of sin that he mourns for his poor in spirit condition and longs for righteousness. I believe it is at this point of our weakness and futility that the Holy Spirit intercedes in support with groanings too deep for words.
Praise God that Jesus did send a counselor to minister and intercede on our behalf when, in our weakness, we do not know what to pray for or how to do it properly.
8 comments:
Wayne,
In Britain some of what we would call lawyers or attorneys are called "advocates." And some of the older English versions of the Bible translate "counselor" as "advocate." He argues our case for us when all we can do is groan in our ache and misery. What a glorious truth! No wonder we don't have to worry about what we are going to say if we are "dragged before governors or into courts!"
Dave
Dave,
So true. I heard a great sermon by D. James Kennedy a while back about having Jesus as your lawyer on judgment day verses representing yourself. It is definitely not good to not have an advocate on that day.
Advocate or Adversary...which do you want?
Knowing that the Spirit intercedes for us is a great comfort when praying in a group.
Good thoughts. It's astounding that God's Spirit indwells us.
It's nice to see Moses is still up there, but I wouldn't be surprised if one day they do knock him down. I remember when the Bible was in every court room, and you would have to put your hand on it before testifying.
We've fallen far. But perhaps God will bring a reformation.
I pray He does.
And it will happen as we pray in the Spirit with groanings.
J.D, Craver, and donsands,
Thanks. I am learning a lot in this study including good points from your comments.
wayne
I am thankful that the Holy Spirit knows just how to pray for me and through me. Sometimes I just can't find the right words to convey what I really mean. Then sometimes I'm unsure of what is the right thing to pray. Certainly when He prays, He prays the will of God.
sista cala,
Yes, I think we all feel that way sometimes or maybe even most of the time.
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