“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints (hagios: holy ones) according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26-28, NASB).
As Christians, we draw our strength directly from God. Passages such as “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” and “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” quickly come to mind (Phil 4:13; Matt 19:26). But it is important to remember that when dealing with the “things” of the world, there are two distinct actors mentioned in Scripture. They are man and God. Scripture is clear that humans, even those who are redeemed, struggle with intense weaknesses. Yet, our God is faithful to help us.
A close examination of Romans 8:26-27 provides us with a great deal of information regarding the specific help God provides. Understanding exactly what help God offers and the lengths to which he has gone to provide his help equip us to grasp onto his grace in truly life-changing ways.
The Apostle Paul begins these verses with the phrase, “in the same way.” Paul is stating a claim based on his previous statements. In order to understand what Paul is now saying, it is necessary to understand what he has already stated in order to establish the proper context for understanding this point. The best method for establishing this context is to examine where it appears in the full letter.
The book of Romans contains Paul’s most comprehensive explanation of Christian doctrine. It is a beautifully organized work that reveals so many of the glorious, gracious, loving works God carried out for the benefit of humanity. Below, a brief outline of the book of Romans is provided for context.
Romans at a Glance
Ch. 1-3:
Ch. 4-5:
Ch. 6-8:
Ch. 9-11:
Ch. 12-16:
Problems of Unrighteousness – Sin
Provision of Righteousness – Salvation
Pursuit of Righteousness – Sanctification
Program of Righteousness – Selection
Practice of Righteousness – Service
Sanctification Doctrine
Ch. 6
Ch.7:1-13
Ch.7:14-25
Ch. 8:1-25
Ch. 8:26-39
Believers are dead to sin, alive to God
Believers are untied to Christ
Believers experience conflict: flesh vs. spirit
Believers are delivered from bondage
Believers have victory in Christ
To summarize, one might say:
Believers are Delivered
FROM
Spirit of Slavery
Fear, Corruption, Bondage
THROUGH
of Christ
on the Cross
TO
Leading of Holy Spirit
Spirit of Adoption
Freedom, Redemption
Sanctification is both (1) an immediate, complete action and (2) an on-going process. When one accepts Christ as savior, one is immediately made holy and set apart unto the Lord. Additionally, this action then sparks a metamorphic process that conforms the believer into the image of Christ which occurs as believers walk with Christ on Earth. But this process is not without struggle. Paul warns of the on-going war between one’s spirit and one’s flesh and yet assures believers that God in his graciousness has provided every needed thing for successful completion of this process. All of these concepts set the context for Paul’s declaration in chapter eight.
So, “in the same way” refers to how the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses IN THE SAME WAY we are helped to be made aware of our sin, justified by the blood of Christ from his atoning work on the cross, and sanctified by God by being made holy and conformed to the image of Christ. God alone is able to do these things, man simply and absolutely cannot. And it is by God’s immense grace and love that they are done.
Paul continues on stating, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints (Gr. hagios: holy ones) according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26-27). As we battle to elevate the spirit over the flesh, we have the privilege to approach the throne of God and ask for help. Even in this task, the efforts of man fall short. Through grace, the Trinity works in perfect harmony to assist us in our struggle, to meet our needs, and work out our sufferings all within the boundaries of God’s will in order to conform us into the image of his Son. This is an example of God’s grace upon grace upon grace – layered grace lavishly poured out onto his children.
Work of Trinity Regarding Prayer
Spirit
Intercedes
“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Rom 8:26).
Christ
Advocates
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).
God
Hears
“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12 cf Ps. 34:15-16). Ps 34 is David’s declaration of God’s faithfulness.
“And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John: 5:15).
“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer 29:12-13).
When believers struggle, when you are hurting and going through a terribly difficult time, God is faithful. We can go to the throne of grace! Scripture instructs us, “Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). Life can be painful, things happen beyond our control and sometimes we ache with pain and feel powerless. And, as humans, sometimes we are. But God never is. And when we do approach him in prayer, each member of the Trinity works together in perfect harmony for our benefit within the will of God.
Paul makes it clear that God has provided everything believers need to be brought back into fellowship with him. Awareness of the sin condition, justification through the blood of the Son, sanctification by the Father, the loving aid of the Holy Spirit, and even the struggles we endure all work together for the believer’s benefit. And when we do struggle, and we definitely will, God is faithful to intercede on our behalf, advocate for us, and listen to our prayers. How gracious is our God!
[2] New American Standard Bible.