Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Even as Christians, we may find ourselves in life situations where a difficult problem (or even multiple such worries) may beset us or confront us, and leave us uncertain as to the manner or order in which to deal with them, or the type of assistance to request from God in doing so.

In such situations, the cited passage is saying that the Holy Spirit assists us in the most effective way possible by knowing and addressing concerns that we may not be able to express, or (due to the Spirit's omniscience) of which we might not even be consciously aware. This prevents our limitations from standing in the way of seeking or receiving God's help, and recognizing that help when it comes.

January 28 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Dandam, you've asked a very relevant question! The Holy Spirit empowers God’s people for service.

The Spirit does not just comfort. He equips. “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Your weakness does not disqualify you. It is the very place where the Spirit loves to show God’s power.

When we're frail--physically, emotionally, or spiritually--and unsure how or what to pray, the Spirit intercedes as our divine Helper, translating inarticulate groans into perfect pleas aligned with God's will (Ro 8:27). This isn't passive comfort but active partnership, ensuring our vulnerabilities don't silence our connection to God. 

"The verse also emphasizes human limitations ('we do not know what to pray for as we ought'), where the Helper counters them by groaning on our behalf, bridging the gap between our inadequacy and divine purpose. This intercession empowers endurance in suffering, as the Spirit helps us pray according to God's redemptive plan." https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/spirits-groan

Far from disqualifying us, weaknesses invite the Helper's strength; He doesn't pray instead of us but alongside us, amplifying our efforts in alignment with heaven. This ties into the chapter's theme of life in the Spirit, where help in prayer fosters hope and victory (Romans 8:18-25). The Greek word for help (συναντιλαμβάνεται
synantilambanetai "joins to help") means "to take hold with another" (who is laboring), hence, universally, to help: τίνι, one, Luke 10:40. "But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.'"

You do not clean yourself up to come to Christ. You come weak, confused, and needy, and God meets you there. The Holy Spirit is given to those who belong to Jesus, and he empowers God’s people today to pray, to endure, to believe, and to live changed lives.

If you have never trusted Christ, now is the moment. Turn from your sin. Stop relying on yourself. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again. Confess him as Lord. God promises forgiveness, new life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who come to him by faith.

Do not wait to feel strong. Come now. Christ saves weak people, and the Spirit makes them new. -- Assisted by chatgpt

1 day ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report