“In Our Weakness”

“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. 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.” (Romans 8:26-27 ESV)

There are many self-identified Christian denominations, and some do not believe in the Trinity. In those circles, the Holy Spirit is sometimes viewed as separate from God. Scripture teaches otherwise: the Holy Spirit is fully God—one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is eternal and existed before creation. We know this from Genesis 1:1-2, which reads, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” These verses also confirm that the Holy Spirit is of God.

For those who know Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells within them. And He does more than simply reside in us: He convicts us of sin, teaches us as the Scriptures reveal truth, guides our daily steps, and continually points us to Christ.

Our opening text by Paul tells us exactly that. The “Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words.” Amazingly, the Spirit prays for us when we, in despair, do not know what to pray. The writer of Hebrews wrote, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (7:25)  Through His indwelling presence and intercession, the Spirit draws us nearer to God.

Jesus told the apostles that the “Helper”, the Spirit, would come to them, and the Spirit also comes to all who come to faith in Christ. John wrote, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (14:26) In our indwelling by the Spirit, we are made sons and daughters of God, and in His indwelling we are made one with God. Paul wrote in Galatians, And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (4:6)

The Holy Spirit does many things in our lives. He is a teacher, a guide, an intercessor, and many, many more things. He seals our righteousness in our salvation and keeps our hearts until our own day of judgment. Paul wrote, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”(Ephesians 4:6)

Does the Holy Spirit live in you? Do you know Christ as your Savior? When you cry out in the dark alone, does the Holy Spirit intercede with the Father in your grief for you?

My friends, salvation is a life changing process. Being made righteous before God through the blood of Christ allows us to have a relationship with God; we are never alone again.

If you do not know Christ as your Savior, seek Him today. He provides every breath, and one day He will call you. If you do not know Him, you will be judged for everything evil you have done in your life, starting with your rejection of God. Do not let that happen to you, cry out to Christ now and as in faith, for forgiveness. In your repentance and profession of faith, you can have the free gift of eternal life.

Grace and Peace.