This section of Romans 8 can be familiar to us as “cheerleading” verses, verses we turn to to psyche ourselves up. But as we end this study in Romans 8, how can we see how the Spirit works, and how is this an encouragement for us?
(A) An inexpressible intercession (Rom 8:26-27)
Paul has been addressing weakness in Romans 8:18-25. There is a broader category of suffering in this present time and also a specific weakness, mentioned here in Romans 8:26. Paul talks about prayer, and there are many reasons why we find ourselves unable to pray. Perhaps we are overwhelmed in our suffering, finding that there are too many things for us to pray for, or that we are too affected.
Look at what Paul says — “we do not know what to pray for as we ought” (Rom 8:26). There is a way we are supposed to respond to certain things but we do not do so. There is a deficit on our part, and the Spirit helps us. How does the Spirit help us?
The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words (Rom 8:26b). The Spirit prays in our place on our behalf. He is not just motivating and encouraging us to pray. He prays for us.
Notice also how Paul describes it as “groanings too deep for words”. Earlier in Romans 8:22-23, we had already read of the groaning of creation and us. He intercedes for us not in an aloof and far off manner. He doesn’t just see our struggles but meets us where we are at and is very much with us in it.
God Himself sends His Spirit, that we will be met in such a manner. How amazing is this!
Paul also highlights the relationship within the Trinity in these verses. Our God meets us in our weakness, and turns it into strength. Though we do not know how to pray as we ought as sons of God, He sends us HIs Spirit who meets us in our need and intercedes for us!
This independent work of the Spirit gives us much strength and assurance. There are some great pains and sorrows that may seem inexpresisble, but God knows and the Spirit knows and also prays.
How does this help us in our time of weakness? We have the Spirit interceding on our behalf! It should also help us to reconsider how we think about God. When we mess up or when we do not know how to pray as we ought, what is His disposition? Do we think of Him as a harsh taskmaster? Friends, we can cry out to God as our Father (c.f. Rom 8:15). The Spirit’s intercession helps us to know our Father rightly.
(B) An unbreakable chain (Rom 8:28-30)
The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. In Romans 8:28, we are told that the saints are those who love God and who are called according to His purpose. Both these elements are essential. When we put these together, we can know how we love God. Genesis 50:20 conveys a similar idea!
What does it mean then, that “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28)? Christians should not be surprised if all manner of things happen to them — cancer, death, poverty, sufferings and groaning of this present time, joy, blessing etc.
Good is also defined on God’s terms, known through Jesus. It means that we are conformed to the image of Jesus, God’s son, that He might be the firstborn among many. God’s goodness is also seen and experienced corporately. We are meant to look back at the promises in the Old Testament. Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeded, and comes to join many to Himself, and expands the kingdom of God.
Thus, we will only understand it if there is a genuine love for God in our hearts. If we find that God is bland, or Jesus is boring or just there, and the holiness of God is not weighty to you, then all things do not seem as though they are being worked out for your good. But, if in your heart you have been awakened to the reality of sin that stains and you see the holiness of God, see that He promises to conform us to the image of Jesus. No matter what happens, we will be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, we should not use this verse to assume that God will bless us in the way that we desire. As Keller said, Jesus suffered so that we will not truly suffer, and when we suffer, we become more and more like Him. One day, we will see Him face to face and will know that God has been shaping us every single moment fro the best possible outcome, that we will be like the One who saved us. Suffering will always find us but He promises that He will mould all of that into what is good for us in all of eternity. In this we find our peace.
Let us now look at the chain of God’s 5-part action, starting in Romans 8:29 and ending in Romans 8:30. This chain will help us to understand our salvation. We see that God:
Foreknew — God’s knowledge is more than just knowing facts about us. God’s knowledge of something is also something personal. It is the language of intimacy and affection.
Predestined — His affection comes with an action plan. He purposefully applies HIs sovereign will.
Called — This calling is not just an invitation but an effectual calling. He changes circumstances in a decisive manner.
Justified — He justifies in complete measure! He doesn’t just leave us to figure things out on our own but brings us through.
Glorified — Notice the tense. It speaks of God’s sovereign purposes in such a manner where our glorification which will come can be spoken of as a certainty now.
No one is lost. This is what Jesus said in John 10:29–30, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” This should shape the way we think about salvation. There is a great assurance for all who have turned to Jesus.
See how great the Father’s love is for us. It is an unbreakable chain of salvation. It is sovereignly guaranteed and purposed eternally.
(C) An inseparable love (Rom 8:31-39)
Paul then starts asking questions in Romans 8:31-32. If you have never thought about what it means to disciple your heart, renew your mind, or train your soul, look at Paul’s approach here.
Having thought about the greatness of God’s actions, consider:
“If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)” — It does not mean that God is on our team. Rather, He has taken us and placed us on HIs team, no one can be against us.
“He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously gave us all things? (Rom 8:32)” — Paul argues from the greatest to the lesser. He has already given us the best thing. He is a good heavenly Father. There is not a single thing that has been denied you that will take away your eternal happiness and glory. God has already given us His Son, and in Him, we have all we need for life and godliness.
Next, Paul also speaks of three threats that Romans 8:33-36 also help to defeat.
“Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? (Rom 8:33)” — Many bring charges and sometimes our own hearts throw accusations. But God justifies
“Who is to condemn? (Rom 8:34a)” — Satan may try but Christ Jesus who died, and who is now at the right hand of God is interceding for us. What more do we need?
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom 8:35a)” — Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or sword will not! Rom 8:36 quotes Psalm 44:22, a lamentation by the people.
What does it mean to be “more than conquerors” in Romans 8:37? What matters more than winning? It is a perfect love that stands the test of time. Everyone who has tasted love and success in this world know that what the world give can be easily taken away. But this love of God will withstand the test of time and anything this world throws at us. Neither death nor life, nor angels or rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor power, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will separate us
Disciple and reason with yourself in this way. And wen you feel your weakness, know that the Spirit and Christ is interceding on our behalf. We have an unshakable salvation and bond with our God.