Romans 8:12-39 GKCCCC – 7/27/2008

 (Romans 8:26-27) 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.  ( 罗马書 7:26-27)“ 26 况且我们的软弱有圣灵帮助， 我们本不晓得当怎样祷告，只是圣灵亲自用说不出 来的叹息替我们祷告。 27 鉴察人心的，晓得圣灵的 意思，因为圣灵照着神的旨意替圣徒祈求。 ” 2

1. Duty to live by Spirit 靠着圣灵而活的本份 (v. 12) Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation …  led by the Spirit of God (v.14)  Received the Spirit of sonship (v.15)  testifies with our spirit … then heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (v.16-17) 3

2. Sufferings Diminish in Hope 苦楚消失于盼望里 ( v.18) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  subjected to frustration vs. subjected in hope (v.20)  bondage of corruption vs. the glorious liberty (v.21)  groans and labors vs. the firstfruits of the Spirit (v.22)  waiting for the adoption (sonship) and the redemption of our body vs. saved in this hope (v.23-24) 4

3. Spirit Bridges Gap 圣灵成为间隔的桥梁 (v. 26) “ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”  The Interceding of the Spirit (v.26)  According to the will of God (v.27) 5

4. Eternal Plan for Believers 给信徒们永远的计画 ( v. 28) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  The image of His Son (v.29)  He predestined, called, justified; also glorified (v.30)  It is God who justifies (v.33)  It is Christ who died, who is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. (v.34) 6

5. God’s Plan Unfailing 神的计画永不失败 (v. 35) “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?...  We are more than conquerors through Him (v.37)  The love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (v.39) 7

 We can experience the indwelling Spirit in many aspects, including  The Leading of the Spirit 圣靈的引導  The Witnessing of the Spirit 圣靈的見證  The Firstfruits of the Spirit 圣靈的初熟果子  The Helping of the Spirit 圣靈的幫助  The Interceding of the Spirit 圣靈的代求 8

 Be encouraged that in your perplexity and groaning you are not being watched, you are being understood. God is searching your heart, and he is finding in your groanings a meaning deeper than words – the meaning of the Spirit himself.  Be encouraged that in your weakness and sickness and loss and hardship and danger the Spirit of God is praying for you and not against you.  Be encouraged that God the Father hears the prayer of the Spirit. 9