In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 NIV
Before giving our lives to Christ, we live in the flesh and for the flesh. But after we put our faith in Jesus, we die to the flesh and are born again in the Spirit of God. As Jesus says in John 3:5-7, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ WEB”
The Holy Spirit transforms our lives as we transition from living in and for the flesh to living in and of the Spirit of God. Temporary life comes by way of the flesh but our eternal life comes by way of the Spirit. Because of sin, the body dies. But for those who have faith in Christ, he died in our place so that we could live eternally in the Spirit. In other words, sin and death was defeated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The faithful live through the Spirit of God.
The Spirit of Life
And so, Paul begins chapter eight of his letter to the Romans with the following words from Romans 8:1, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. WEB” The Spirit helps us live free from sin and condemnation.
Also, the Spirit helps us to remember the things of Christ. As Jesus said to his disciples in John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.” In addition the Spirit gives testimony to the character of Christ and the will of God. As Chirst said in John 15:26, “When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. WEB”
The Spirit Intercedes
The Holy Spirit that indwells the man or woman who is saved by the blood of Christ helps us and counsels us. When we do not know what to do, the Holy Spirit helps us by informing our thoughts and consequently, guiding our actions. Rather than conviction through the letter of the law and condemnation for falling short of perfection, The Holy Spirit helps us to discern sin and righteousness. As Jesus said in John 16;8, “When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment.”
Finally, the Spirit helps us in all our weaknesses. Not only does it convict of sin and inform our souls of the righteousness of God, but also, the Holy Spirit helps us to have an effective prayer life, When we do not have the words, as Paul writes, “the Spirit himself intercedes for us.” In this way, the Spirit of God helps us with the burdens that are beyond our capacity. The thoughts and feelings we cannot express in human words are communicated to God by the power of the infinite wisdom and understanding of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the support I receive from you. You are there for me when I do not know what to do or what to say. Lead me to do your will all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Last Day
