The Spirit’s Intercession

Jeremy Bell
January 2, 2022
Text: Romans 8:26-28
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Romans 8:26–28 [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. [27] And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)

I. The Spirit prays for us in our weakness (verse 26)

II. The Spirit prays for us in accord with God’s will (verse 27)

III. God is working all things for good (verse 28)

“In Him we have obtained and inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.” — Ephesians 1:11-12

What do you understand by the providence of God?

God’s providence is his almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come to us not by chance but by his fatherly hand. – Heidelberg Catechism Question 27

Trust your life in God’s hand, because you cannot control its movements, rest in His arms, and rely on His might; for He is able to do for you exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think; and unto His name be glory for ever and ever! Amen. – Charles Spurgeon

IV. Application

1. Be encouraged, the Spirit of God is praying for you!

2. By grace, make a plan to pray

“Imagine you were diagnosed with such a lethal condition that the doctor told you that you would die within hours unless you took a particular medicine – a pill every night before going to sleep. Imagine that you were told that you could never miss it or you would die. Would you forget? Would you not get around to it on some nights? No – it would be so crucial that you wouldn’t forget, you would never miss. Well, if we don’t pray together to God, we’re not going to make it because of all we’re facing. I’m certainly not. We have to pray, we can’t let it slip our minds.” – Tim Keller, quoting his wife Kathy

Questions for Discussion/Application:

• Re-read the text, Romans 8:26-28. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
• Re-read verse 26. How does it encourage you to be reminded that the Spirit prays for you in your weakness (verse 26)?

It is easy to become discouraged in our praying, for we are conscious that we do it so badly. But here, too, we are not left to our own devices. The Spirit intercedes for us.
– Leon Morris

• How does it encourage you to be reminded that the Spirit prays for you in accordance with the will of God (verse 27)?

Paul is giving encouragement to the humblest of God’s people. They may be dissatisfied with their praying, but they have a powerful intercessor and one who prays for them in accordance with the will of God himself. — Leon Morris

• What does it mean that God is working all things together for our good (verse 28)?
• What difference does it make in the life of the believer to know that God is working all things for good (verse 28)?
• What circumstance or trial that you are facing right now causes you to need to be reminded of the truth of verse 28?
• Consider taking time to pray that we would trust God in all trials and circumstances we face. Ask God to help us to remember that the Spirit Himself is interceding for us and the God is working all things together for our good.