The Spirits Help
A Sermon on Romans 8:26-27
Scripture
26Likewise 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. 27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because …
Sermon Description
It is common for prayers to feel empty, as if the enemy stops the words from being heard by the Savior. Sometimes Christians find themselves groaning, not able to put into words what they need from God. They lose their confidence that they even belong to God. In this sermon on Romans 8:26–27 titled “The Spirit’s Help,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that these groanings are actually additional proof of their sonship and one of the very reasons God sends His Holy Spirit to His people. He comes alongside to help them in their weakness, to be their advocate, and telling them what to pray when they come before the Father. He intercedes for the Christian who utters wordless groanings which God hears, understands, and approves because it is God who sends the Spirit to work these things in His people. He only sends his Spirit to true believers. If, therefore, one finds themselves giving vent to these groanings, be encouraged. It is proof of a true relationship with God because it is the Spirit that produces these groanings. Christians should rejoice as they belong to Him.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is telling us about the work of the Holy Spirit in giving us assurance of our salvation.
- Our infirmities and lack of knowledge should not discourage us. They are the result of the Fall and sin, not sinful in themselves.
- The Spirit helps our infirmities by interceding for us with wordless groanings when we do not know what to pray for.
- The groanings are ours, produced by the Spirit. The Spirit is not groaning. He is God and above such things.
- God hears and understands these groanings, though we ourselves may not. He knows the mind of the Spirit in producing them.
- The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. This is part of God's plan for our salvation and sanctification.
- If we find ourselves groaning in this way, it proves we are saints and children of God. Unbelievers do not groan like this.
- We should not be discouraged by these groanings but encouraged. They prove our salvation and God's care for us.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.