Romans 8:26-30

Romans 8:26-30

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

 

The Trinity is at work in our lives to conform us to the image of Jesus.  Every member of the Trinity is working together to bring us in line with the will of God.  His ways of working in us may seem strange to us and may be confusing to us at times, but they are perfect ways.  We are not left alone to be saved or sanctified.  The Triune God is at work in us to bring us to Himself for our joy and His glory.

 

THE SPIRIT PRAYS FOR US TO DO GOD’S WILL: The desires of our hearts are not always in tune with the will of God.  Even though the will of God is always best for us, we do not always see it that way.  We usually pray according to our desires.  We desire good health, comfort, and any number of other things that make us feel good and that we think will bring us happiness.  The Spirit of God knows better.  He is perfectly in tune with God’s will.  So, when we pray for the things we desire, the Spirit translates those prayers so they will be in accordance with the will of God.

 

THE FATHER PREDESTINES US TO DO HIS WILL: God is at work to make sure that all the circumstances of our lives are contributing to the accomplishment of His will in us.  His will for us is that we be conformed to the image of Jesus.  Those of us who love God and have responded to the Gospel have been predestined to be conformed to Christ.  That is the promise of our salvation.  We are not promised a life of comfort and prosperity on this earth.  What He promises in the Gospel is that he will use all the circumstances, both positive and negative, to make us more like Jesus.  He is committed to this process and will not rest until it is complete because He has predestined it to be so.

 

THE SON PERFECTS US TO DO GOD’S WILL: The means by which the Father’s will is accomplished in our lives is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Sin had to be dealt with in order for this conformation process to take place.  Jesus died on the cross so we might be justified and declared righteous through faith in Christ.  This position we have in Christ is secure even though we are not righteous at the moment.  It is the Father’s determination, the Son’s salvation, and the Spirit’ intersession that guarantees that the work of making us like Jesus will be complete.  Jesus is the model after which all believers are being molded.  Just as Jesus is glorified in the presence of the Father, every believer will be eternally glorified in His presence forever.

 

APPLICATION: When your prayers are not answered in the way you desire, be thankful that the Spirit is working to accomplish God’s will.  Trust the will of the Father is infinitely better for you than your own will for yourself.  Understand that He will use suffering and difficult circumstances to pry our wills away from us so He can accomplish His will in us.  Rest in the fact that your eternal glory is not dependent upon your effort but your faith in the work of Christ on your behalf.

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