Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought… I. THE FACT OF THIS INTERCESSION. The word translated "Comforter," which occurs in John 14-16 means "Advocate" (1 John 2:1). We have two advocates, one of them in heaven and the other on earth — one of them being always with us, and the other being always at the Father's right hand. II. ITS NATURE. There are two things which an advocate does or may do for his client — he speaks for him and he tells him what to say. There are stages sometimes in the course of a trial when the voice of the advocate is not enough, and when the client himself must break silence. The advocate's function, then, is to instruct his client to speak in the way that will be best for his interests. Where there is but one advocate both functions must devolve upon him; but where there are two, the functions may be divided. So Christ speaks for us, and the Spirit tells us what to say. The intercessions of Christ are in Christ's own prayers; the intercessions of the Spirit are in the prayers of believers. All of true prayer is the result of the working of the Spirit within us (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20). 1. The Spirit enlightens the mind, and gives the necessary knowledge. It is a function of the Spirit's office to teach. He teaches through the Word, which was given by His inspiration; and through the capacity which He restores to the soul for conceiving of the things of God. He is the Spirit of truth, because He inspired the penmen of Holy Writ; He is the Spirit of knowledge, because His influence disposes and enables the soul to apprehend Divine truth. By the knowledge which the Spirit imparts we learn — (1) What to ask for. "We know not what we should pray for." In this respect "The Spirit helpeth our infirmities." Through Him we discover — (a) Our need. If we do not know what we need we do not know what to ask for. He shows us our need of wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (b) God and His grace, Christ and His salvation; and these discoveries are gladsome. (2) What plea to use when we pray. In prayer there should be arguments as well as petitions. Our requests may be all right, but more is necessary. The text says, not only that we know not what to pray for, but "as we ought." The knowledge of this is supplied by the Spirit. In glorifying Christ, He shows us the excellency and power of Christ's name, and that name comprehends arguments that are sure to prevail. 2. The Spirit excites holy, spiritual desire. Mere knowledge will not suffice for the production of prayer. There may be knowledge without prayer. There must be desire to possess the blessings, as well as knowledge of what the blessings are. Now, it is the work of the Holy Ghost to kindle within us the necessary desire. He takes away the stony heart, which is incapable of this desire, and He gives us the heart of flesh, which quivers with Divine emotions. Through His quickenings we hunger and thirst after righteousness, and we not only know, but have an urgent sense of, our need of grace and strength. 3. He gives us faith in the promises in which God engages to be a Father to us, and to keep us as His children. He gives us faith in Christ's name, and helps us to rely upon it. There may be knowledge, and there may be strong desire; but, without faith, the voice of prayer will sink into the waft of despondency, and die away! Faith inspires us with the confidence of children; and then the winged words go upwards, Abba, Father! and our prayers ascend along with them! III. ITS EXCELLENCY. A first-rate pleader will signalise himself by the matter and the manner of his addresses. The matter will be judicious, and to the point. The manner will be earnest, affecting, eloquent and powerful. 1. With respect to the matter of His intercession, it is "according to the will of God." It is impossible for our cause to be mismanaged from unacquaintance, on His part, with God's will. He never asks what God is not ready to grant, or fails to ask what God is willing to bestow; and He always urges those arguments and considerations to which God is sure to pay regard. 2. As to the manner it is characterised by earnestness and power — "with groanings that cannot be uttered." Much of the Spirit's intercession is unspoken. Much of it consists in feelings that cannot be expressed. But the intercession of the Spirit is not the less powerful for these things. The groanings are proofs of its energy, and God understands them right well. "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit." IV. ITS SUCCESS. We have an advocate above, as well as an advocate below. Were there any disagreement between the two it would frustrate everything. But between these two advocates there can be no discord, The Spirit's intercession is an effect of Christ's, and flows out of it. Christ deputes the Spirit to intercede on earth, while He Himself intercedes in heaven. Our text says, "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth," etc. It is not mere knowledge that is affirmed, but knowledge carrying approval along with it — the approval being founded on the statement that the Spirit's intercession is according to the will of God. (A. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise 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. |
    |