30 For the Believer’s Benefit

In the final portion of Romans chapter 8, Paul begins pointing out the practical benefits the Lord has made available to each believer, simply because of our relationship with Him.

1 The Help of the Spirit

Since the final stage of the believer’s sanctification (glorification) doesn’t take place until the individual will be in heaven, the Lord therefore provides the believer with great hope and help:

Romans 8:26-27

Paul had previously shown how we are all weak, and unable to do anything to help ourselves spiritually, which is where the Holy Spirit comes in.

In verse 26, the tense for the word “help” speaks of “continuous action” – in other words, “to continue helping”.

Additionally, the Greek word he used for “weakness” is the word <astheneia> which encompasses emotional, physical, and spiritual disabilities.

Once again, the Greek word used for “helps” is important. It’s the word <syantilambanetai> which refers to carrying another person’s heavy burden. Which points to how the Holy Spirit will deal with and carry those burdens which are beyond our capacity.

In verse 26, Paul shows that whenever we are unaware of what to pray about, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us. The tense of the word “intercedes” is also important, since it presents the idea that He continues interceding on our behalf.

The interceding is done with “groanings which cannot be uttered” – which shows that it is entirely a work of the Spirit, and again, not something performed by man.

Regarding “intercession”, Paul used another important Greek word <hyperentynchanei> which meant to issue and approach or appeal to someone.

In verse 27, Paul shows how the Godhead is involved on our behalf:

Romans 8:27

The Lord searches the believer’s heart to uncover that which resides deep within our heart (and which only He has access to).

The fact that only the Lord can see within man’s heart, was shown, when the prophet Samuel was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as a replacement for Saul. Samuel showed the natural human tendency to be impressed the outward appearances of David’s older brothers. Yet, the Lord told the prophet, that He looks upon the heart:

1 Samuel 16:7

So, it’s because the Spirit resides with the believer’s heart, He is able to intercede with the Father on our behalf.

The word “knows” which is used in verse 27, is the Greek word <oiden> which speaks of knowing perceptively or intuitively. This shows how the Lord can know every aspect of our hearts.

2 For Our Good

Romans 8:28-30

Paul spoke of the great assurance that the believer has that God is “for” the believer. This was also shown in Jeremiah’s prophecy:

Jeremiah 29:11