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 HOLY SPIRIT STRENGTHENS AND BEARS US UP IN OUR WEAKNESSES AND TROUBLES, THAT WE MAY NOT FAINT UNDER THEM. 1. It is a great infirmity if a Christian should faint in the day of trouble (Proverbs 24:10). Partly because there is so little reason for a Christian's fainting. Who should be more undisturbed than he who hath God for his God, Christ for his Saviour, and the Spirit for his Comforter, and heaven for his portion? Partly because there is so much help from God (Psalm 138:3) and partly because of the mischiefs which follow this fainting. There is a twofold fainting. (1) That which causeth great trouble and dejection of spirit (Hebrews 12:3). Now this is a great evil in a child of God; for the spirit of a man, or natural courage, will go far as to the sustaining of foreign evils (Proverbs 18:14). Therefore a Christian, with all his faith and hope, should strive against it (Psalm 77:7-10). (2) That which causeth dejection and falling off from God. This worse becometh the children of God (Revelation 2:3; Galatians 6:9). 2. In this weakness, if we are left to ourselves, we cannot support ourselves. This appeareth partly because they that have but a light tincture of the Spirit give up at the first assault (Matthew 13:21), and partly because the most resolved, if not duly possessed with a sense of their own weakness, soon miscarry, if not in whole, yet in part; witness Peter (Matthew 26:33-35). 3. When we cannot support ourselves through our weakness, the Spirit helpeth us (Ephesians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 Corinthians 10:13). 4. They that rouse themselves, and use all means, are in a nearer capacity to receive influences from the Spirit than others (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 31:24). II. PRAYER IS ONE SPECIAL MEANS BY WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPETH GOD'S CHILDREN IN THEIR TROUBLES. 1. Troubles are sent, not to drive us from God, but to draw us to Him (Psalm 50:15). 2. Prayer is a special means to ease the heart of our burdensome cares and fears (Philippians 4:6). 3. It is a special means of acknowledging God — (1) As the fountain of our strength and support (1 Peter 5:10). (2) As the author of our deliverance (2 Timothy 4:18). III. THE PRAYERS OF THE GODLY COME FROM GOD'S SPIRIT. Note — 1. The manner in which the Spirit concurreth to the prayers of the faithful. First, there is the spirit of a man, for the Holy Ghost makes use of our understandings for the actuating of our will and affections; He bloweth up the fire, though it be our hearts that burn within us. Secondly, the new nature in a Christian is more immediately and vigorously operative in prayer than in most other duties; and the exercise of faith, love, and hope in prayer doth flow from the renewed soul as the proper inward and vital principle of these actions; so that we, and not the Spirit of God, are said to repent, believe, and pray. More distinctly the Holy Ghost — (1) Directs and orders our requests so as they may suit with our great end, which is the enjoyment of God. (2) He quickens our desires in prayers. (3) He encourages us to come to God as a Father (chap. Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). (a) Childlike confidence (Luke 11:13. (b) Childlike reverence (Malachi 1:6; 1 Peter 1:17). 2. The necessity of this help. (1) The order and economy of the Divine persons showeth it. God is our reconciled God and Father, to whom we come; Christ the Mediator, through whom we come, and the Spirit our Guide, by whom we come (Ephesians 2:18). (2) That prayer may carry proportion with other duties. (3) Because of our impotency (Corinthians 12:3). (4) With respect to acceptance (ver. 27). 3. Cautions against some abuses and mistakes in prayer. (1) This is not so to be understood as if the matter of prayer were immediately to be inspired by the Holy Ghost. (2) Nor as if we should never pray till the Spirit moveth us. (3) Nor as if because we have not such freedom of words as may give vent to spiritual affections, we have not the spirit of prayer. There may be a great extravagance of words, without faith, or feeling, or spiritual affections. (4) Nor as if all that pray graciously had the Spirit in a like measure, or the same persons always in the same measure (John 3:7). (5) Gifts are more necessary when we join with others, and are their mouth to God; but the spirit of prayer is of most use when we are alone. (T. Manton, D.D.) 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. |
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