Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
In the same way
This phrase connects the current discussion to the preceding verses, where Paul speaks about the hope and redemption of creation. "In the same way" suggests that just as creation groans for redemption, so too does the Spirit work within us. The Greek word used here, "ὡσαύτως" (hōsautōs), implies a parallel or similar manner, indicating that the Spirit's help is as essential and profound as the hope we have in Christ.

the Spirit helps us
The Greek word for "helps" is "συναντιλαμβάνεται" (sunantilambanetai), which means to take hold of together, to assist or support. This word paints a picture of the Holy Spirit coming alongside us, sharing in our burdens and weaknesses. The Spirit is not a distant helper but an active participant in our struggles, providing divine assistance and strength.

in our weakness
The term "weakness" here, "ἀσθενείᾳ" (astheneia), refers to our human frailty and limitations. It encompasses not only physical weakness but also spiritual and moral shortcomings. Historically, this acknowledges the human condition post-Fall, where sin has marred our ability to fully live out God's will. The Spirit's role is to fortify us where we are deficient, bridging the gap between our human incapacity and God's perfect will.

For we do not know
This phrase highlights human ignorance and limitation. The Greek "οὐκ οἴδαμεν" (ouk oidamen) suggests a lack of understanding or insight. In the context of prayer, it acknowledges that our finite minds cannot always discern God's will or the best course of action. This humility is crucial in the Christian walk, recognizing our need for divine guidance.

how we ought to pray
The Greek word for "ought" is "δεῖ" (dei), which implies necessity or obligation. This suggests that there is a proper way to pray, aligned with God's will, which we often fail to grasp. Historically, prayer has been a central practice in Judeo-Christian tradition, yet this verse acknowledges that without the Spirit's guidance, our prayers may fall short of their intended purpose.

but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us
The word "intercedes" comes from the Greek "ὑπερεντυγχάνει" (hyperentynchanei), meaning to make a petition or appeal on behalf of another. The Spirit's intercession is a profound mystery, where He steps in to advocate and plead for us before the Father. This reflects the Trinitarian nature of God, where the Spirit actively participates in our sanctification and communion with God.

with groans too deep for words
The phrase "groans too deep for words" translates the Greek "στεναγμοῖς ἀλαλήτοις" (stenagmois alalētois), indicating expressions of deep emotion that transcend human language. This suggests that the Spirit's intercession is not limited by our verbal abilities but communicates the depths of our needs and desires to God. It echoes the groaning of creation mentioned earlier in the chapter, emphasizing the Spirit's intimate involvement in our redemption and transformation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in the life of believers by interceding and helping in their weaknesses.

2. Believers
The recipients of the Holy Spirit's help and intercession, who are often in a state of weakness and uncertainty in their prayer life.

3. Intercession
The act of intervening on behalf of another, which in this context refers to the Holy Spirit's role in communicating our needs to God.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our Helper, especially in times of weakness. He knows our needs better than we do and intercedes on our behalf.

Understanding Our Weakness
Recognize that human weakness is not a barrier to effective prayer. Instead, it is an opportunity for the Spirit to work powerfully in our lives.

The Mystery of Prayer
Prayer is not just about words; it is a spiritual communication where the Spirit translates our deepest needs into divine language.

Dependence on the Spirit
Cultivate a reliance on the Holy Spirit in your prayer life. Trust that He is actively working even when you are unsure of what to pray.

Encouragement in Uncertainty
When you feel uncertain or inadequate in prayer, take comfort in knowing that the Spirit is interceding with groans too deep for words.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the Holy Spirit's role as a Helper change your approach to prayer?

2. In what ways can recognizing your own weaknesses lead to a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit?

3. How can you cultivate a habit of praying in the Spirit, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:18?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to become more aware of the Spirit's intercession in your life?

5. How does the intercessory role of the Holy Spirit compare to that of Jesus, as described in Hebrews 7:25, and how can this understanding impact your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 14:16-17
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a Helper, which aligns with the Spirit's role in assisting believers in their weaknesses.

1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Highlights the Spirit's deep understanding of God's thoughts, which complements His ability to intercede effectively for us.

Ephesians 6:18
Encourages believers to pray in the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of the Spirit's role in our prayer life.

Hebrews 7:25
Describes Jesus as our intercessor, showing a parallel between the intercessory roles of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Inarticulate PrayerS.R. Aldridge Romans 8:26
The Interceding SpiritAlexander MaclarenRomans 8:26
The Privileges and Responsibilities of the Children of GodC.H. Irwin Romans 8:12-30
Salvation in Spite of SufferingR.M. Edgar Romans 8:18-30
Divine Aid in PrayerThomas Horton, D.DRomans 8:26-27
Divine Help for Spiritual InfirmitiesThomas Horton, D.D.Romans 8:26-27
Encouragements to Prayer for the Weak and OppressedEssex Congregational RemembrancerRomans 8:26-27
God's Sympathies with Man's InfirmitiesJ. B. Silcox.Romans 8:26-27
Helping Our InfirmityT.F. Lockyer Romans 8:26, 27
Our Ignorance as to Legitimate Subjects for PrayerArchdeacon Gifford.Romans 8:26-27
Our Infirmities HelpedP. Strutt.Romans 8:26-27
Prayer -- for Help to PrayC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 8:26-27
Prayer Aided by the Divine SpiritThomas Horton, D.D.Romans 8:26-27
Prayer Written in the Heart by the Holy SpiritC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 8:26-27
The Help of the Divine SpiritH. W. Beecher.Romans 8:26-27
The Help of the SpiritW. HarrisRomans 8:26-27
The Holy Spirit an Internal IntercessorW. Knight, M.A.Romans 8:26-27
The Holy Spirit's IntercessionC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 8:26-27
The Intercession of the SpiritRomans 8:26-27
The Intercession of the SpiritA. Gray.Romans 8:26-27
The Intercession of the SpiritA. Mackennal, D.D.Romans 8:26-27
The Intercession of the SpiritT. Chalmers, D.D.Romans 8:26-27
The Intercession of the Spirit in PrayerE. L. Hull, B.A.Romans 8:26-27
The Spirit Helping Our InfirmitiesJ. Bowers.Romans 8:26-27
The Spirit Helping Our InfirmitiesT. Manton, D.D.Romans 8:26-27
The Spirit's Help in PrayerD. Moore, M.A.Romans 8:26-27
The Sympathy of the Divine SpiritH. W. Beecher.Romans 8:26-27
The Transformation of HopeDean Paget.Romans 8:26-27
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Able, Behoveth, Can't, Deep, Desires, Express, Feeble, Fitting, Groanings, Groans, Hearts, Helpeth, Helps, Infirmities, Infirmity, Intercedes, Intercession, Itself, Joins, Likewise, Makes, Maketh, Manner, Offer, Ought, Pleads, Power, Prayer, Prayers, Puts, Sighs, Spirit, Unutterable, Uttered, Weakness, Weaknesses, Yearnings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 8:26

     3130   Holy Spirit, Counsellor
     5436   pain
     5566   suffering, encouragements in
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     5881   immaturity
     7972   tongues, gift of
     8359   weakness, spiritual

Romans 8:18-27

     8416   encouragement, promises

Romans 8:26-27

     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     3025   Holy Spirit, personality
     3212   Holy Spirit, and mission
     3221   Holy Spirit, and prayer
     3263   Holy Spirit, guidance
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     4018   life, spiritual
     5015   heart, and Holy Spirit
     5345   influence
     6670   grace, and Holy Spirit
     8605   prayer, and God's will
     8611   prayer, for others

Library
December 18:
December 18th. The misgiving which will creep sometimes over the brightest faith has already received its expression and its rebuke: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Shall these "changes in the physical state of the environment" which threaten death to the natural man, destroy the spiritual? Shall death, or life, or angels, or principalities, or powers, arrest or tamper with his eternal correspondences?
Henry Drummond—Beautiful Thoughts

October 10. "If Ye, through the Spirit, do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live" (Rom. viii. 13).
"If ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Rom. viii. 13). The Holy Spirit is the only one who can kill us and keep us dead. Many Christians try to do this disagreeable work themselves, and they are going through a continual crucifixion, but they can never accomplish the work permanently. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, and when you really yield yourself to the death, it is delightful to find how sweetly He can slay you. By the touch of the electric spark they
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

August 6. "As Many as are Led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God" (Rom. viii. 14).
"As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God" (Rom. viii. 14). The blessed Holy Spirit is our Guide, our Leader, and our Resting-place. There are times when He presses us forward into prayer, into service, into suffering, into new experiences, new duties, new claims of faith, and hope, and love, but there are times when He arrests us in our activity, and rests us under His overshadowing wing, and quiets us in the secret place of the Most High, teaching us some new lessons, breathing
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 12. "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free" (Rom. viii. 2).
"The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free" (Rom. viii. 2). The life of Jesus Christ brought into our heart by the Holy Spirit, operates there as a new law of divine strength and vitality, and counteracts, overcomes and lifts us above the old law of sin and death. Let us illustrate these two laws by a simple comparison. Look at my hand. By the law of gravitation it naturally falls upon the desk and lies there, attracted downward by that natural law which makes heavy bodies fall
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 8. "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free" (Rom. viii. 2).
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free" (Rom. viii. 2). There is a natural law of sin and sickness, and if we just let ourselves go and sink into the trend of circumstances we shall go down and sink under the power of the tempter. But there is another law of spiritual life and of physical life in Christ Jesus to which we can rise and through which we can counterpoise and overcome the other law that bears us down. But to do this requires real spiritual energy and fixed
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 27. "The Glorious Liberty of the Children of God" (Rom. viii. 21).
"The glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rom. viii. 21). Are you above self and self-pleasing in every way? Have you got above circumstances so that you are not influenced by them? Are you above sickness and the evil forces around that would drag down your physical life into the quicksands? These forces are all around, and if yielded to would quickly swamp us. God does not destroy sickness, or its power to hurt, but He lifts us above it. Are you above your feelings, moods, emotions and states?
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 11. "And He that Searcheth the Hearts Knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit, Because He Maketh Intercession for the Saints According to the Will of God" (Rom. viii. 27).
"And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. viii. 27). The Holy Spirit becomes to the consecrated heart the Spirit of intercession. We have two Advocates. We have an Advocate with the Father, who prays for us at God's right hand; but the Holy Spirit is the Advocate within, who prays in us, inspiring our petitions and presenting them, through Christ, to God. We need this Advocate. We know
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 21. "Who Shall Separate us from the Love of Christ?" (Rom. viii. 35).
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. viii. 35). And then comes the triumphant answer, after all the possible obstacles and enemies have been mentioned one by one, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us." Our trials will be turned to helps; our enemies will be taken prisoners and made to fight our battles. Like the weights on yonder clock, which keep it going, our very difficulties will prove incentives to faith and prayer, and occasions
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

June 1. "That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us" (Rom. viii. 4).
"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us" (Rom. viii. 4). Beloved friends, do you know the mistake some of you are making? Some of you say: "It is not possible for me to be good; no man ever was perfect, and it is no use for me to try." That is the mistake many of you are making. I agree with the first sentence, "No man ever was perfect"; but I don't agree with the second, "There is no use trying." There is a divine righteousness that we may have. I don't mean merely that which
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 13. "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God" (Rom. viii. 7).
"The carnal mind is enmity against God" (Rom. viii. 7). The flesh is incurably bad. "It is not subject to the law of God, neither, indeed, can be." It never can be any better. It is no use trying to improve the flesh. You may educate it all you please. You may train it by the most approved methods, you may set before it the brightest examples, you may pipe to it or mourn to it, treat it with encouragement or severity; its nature will always be incorrigibly the same. Like the wild hawk which the little
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

August 4. "Ye are not in the Flesh but in the Spirit if So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ He is None of His" (Rom. viii. 9).
"Ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His" (Rom. viii. 9). A spiritual man is not so much a man possessing a strong spiritual character as a man filled with the Holy Spirit. So the apostle said: "Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you." The glory of the new creation, then, is not only that it recreates the human spirit, but that it fits
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Fourth Sunday after Trinity Consolation in Suffering, and Patience.
Text: Romans 8, 18-22. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to vanity not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Fourth Sunday after Trinity Redemption of the Creatures.
Second Sermon. Text: Romans 8, 18-22. REDEMPTION OF THE CREATURES. 1. We have heard how Paul comforts the Christians in their sufferings, pointing them to the future inconceivable and eternal glory to be revealed in us in the world to come; and how he has, for our greater consolation, reminded us that the whole creation as one being suffers in company with the Christian Church. We have noted how he sees, with the clear, keen eye of an apostle, the holy cross in every creature. He brings out this
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children.
Text: Romans 8, 12-17. 12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: 13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Accusers Challenged
Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God who justifies. T hough the collating of manuscripts and various readings has undoubtedly been of use in rectifying some mistakes which, through the inadvertency of transcribers, had crept into different copies of the New Testament, yet such supposed corrections of the text ought to be admitted with caution, and not unless supported by strong reasons and authorities. The whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God: and they who thankfully
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

August the Twenty-Fifth Impotent Enemies
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" --ROMANS viii. 31-39. Who can get between the love of Christ and me? What sharp dividing minister can cleave the two in twain, and leave me like a dismembered and dying branch? Terrible experiences cannot do it. "Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword!" All these may come about my house, but they cannot reach the inner sanctuary where my Lord and I are closeted in loving communion and peace. They may bruise my skin,
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

May the Twenty-Eighth the Sons of God
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God." --ROMANS viii. 9-17. And how unspeakably wealthy are the implications of the great word! If a son, then what holy freedom is mine! Mine is not "the spirit of bondage." The son has "the run of the house." That is the great contrast between lodgings and home. And I am to be at home with the Lord. And if a son, then heir! "All things are yours." Samuel Rutherford used to counsel his friends to "take a turn" round their estate.
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Sons and Heirs
'If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.'--ROMANS viii. 17. God Himself is His greatest gift. The loftiest blessing which we can receive is that we should be heirs, possessors of God. There is a sublime and wonderful mutual possession of which Scripture speaks much wherein the Lord is the inheritance of Israel, and Israel is the inheritance of the Lord. 'The Lord hath taken you to be to Him a people of inheritance,' says Moses; 'Ye are a people for a possession,' says
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Suffering with Christ, a Condition of Glory with Christ
'...Joint heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.'--ROMANS viii. 17. In the former part of this verse the Apostle tells us that in order to be heirs of God, we must become sons through and joint-heirs with Christ. He seems at first sight to add in these words of our text another condition to those already specified, namely, that of suffering with Christ. Now, of course, whatever may be the operation of suffering in fitting for the possession of
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Witness of the Spirit
'The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.'--ROMANS viii. 18. The sin of the world is a false confidence, a careless, complacent taking for granted that a man is a Christian when he is not. The fault, and sorrow, and weakness of the Church is a false diffidence, an anxious fear whether a man be a Christian when he is. There are none so far away from false confidence as those who tremble lest they be cherishing it. There are none so inextricably caught in
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Revelation of Sons
'For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.'--ROMANS viii. 19. The Apostle has been describing believers as 'sons' and 'heirs.' He drops from these transcendent heights to contrast their present apparent condition with their true character and their future glory. The sad realities of suffering darken his lofty hopes, even although these sad realities are to his faith tokens of joint-heirship with Jesus, and pledges that if our inheritance is here
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

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