Is It So? Reconsidering The Ministry of the Spirit

Session 11: Intercession of the Spirit

A. Romans 8:26–27

• Describes the Holy Spirit’s aid to a particular group of believers in a state of deep anticipation.

• Their “infirmity” is not knowing precisely how to pray regarding future deliverance.

B. Transition from Groaning to Intercession

• Romans 8:22: “the whole creation groaneth” introduces a universal suffering and longing.

• Romans 8:23 narrows the focus to those who have “the firstfruits of the Spirit,” specifically Jews awaiting adoption.

C. Significance of “Firstfruits”

• References Israel’s Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) in Leviticus 23:15–21.

• Acts 2:1 confirms the Holy Spirit was given “when the day of Pentecost was fully come.”

• Shows the Holy Spirit’s outpouring is rooted in Israel’s redemptive narrative.

D. Future-Looking Salvation

• Romans 8:24–25: “we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope . . . if we hope for that we see not,

• Indicates an eschatological rescue, not the already-finished work of Ephesians 2:8 (“by grace are ye saved through faith”).

• Parallels Israel’s future expectation of the Messiah’s coming reign.

E. Need for the Spirit’s Intercession

• Romans 8:26: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.”

• Believers are unsure how to pray regarding details of the coming kingdom.

• The Spirit translates their groanings “which cannot be uttered” according to God’s will.

F. Jewish Context in Romans 8 and Beyond

• Romans 9–11 discusses Israel’s calling, covenants, and adoption.

• The momentum from Romans 8:23–25 to chapters 9–11 highlights Israel’s national restoration.

• These verses align with a specifically Jewish setting (“firstfruits,” “Pentecost,” and adoption pertaining to Israel).

G. Conclusion of This Section

• Romans 8:26–27 addresses Jewish believers at Pentecost who await national redemption.

• The Spirit’s intercession matches Israel’s eschatological need for the final fulfillment of covenant promises.

Prayer for the Jew

A. Romans 8:22–23 and Groaning

• Creation as a whole suffers (8:22), but Paul narrows the groaning to “ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit” (8:23).

• These groan for “the adoption,” an idea directly linked to Israel in Romans 9:4.

B. Pentecost and the Jewish Calendar

• Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15–21) marks a celebration of firstfruits.

• Acts 2:1 connects the giving of the Holy Spirit with Israel’s feast day.

• Underlines that the original context is specific to Israel.

C. Longing for Future Fulfillment

• Romans 8:24–25 shows this promised redemption has not yet arrived.

• The hope focuses on national and Messianic promises.

D. Eschatological Perspective

• Israel awaits a future kingdom when the Messiah will reign.

• The Spirit intercedes for those unsure of the details of God’s plan.

Prayer for the Believer

A. We Know How We Ought to Pray

• Ephesians 6:18: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . . ”

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”

• 2 Timothy 3:17: Scripture furnishes believers to all good works, including prayer.

B. We Bring Requests to God Directly (Philippians 4:6)

• Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let

• Ephesians 3:12: “We have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

• No second-tier intercessor is required for the believer today.

C. Do We Need an Intercessor?

• 1 Timothy 2:5: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

• Christ’s finished work grants direct communion with God, rendering additional mediators unnecessary.

Conclusion

A. Romans 8:26–27 in Historical Context

• Speaks of Jewish believers possessing the “firstfruits of the Spirit” at Pentecost.

• They await fulfillment of national promises; the Spirit assists their groanings.

B. Distinction of Present Believers’ Prayer Life

• Christians are taught how to pray and what to pray.

• Believers have no need for special intercession beyond Christ’s mediation.

C. The Blessing of Direct Access

• We approach the Father in prayer through Christ alone.

• Philippians 4:7: “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”