The Intercession Of The Spirit For Us And Its Meaning: "Being Transformed Into The Image Of The Lord”

Sermon: The Intercession of the Spirit for us and its meaning:

**Scripture Focus: Romans 8:26-30**

**Introduction: From the Old Code to a New Life**

We know and believe that we are saved by grace through faith. However, being under grace does not mean we are free to live however we want. God has justified us by His grace, and He desires for us to live a righteous life.

The question then arises: How do we actually live righteously? Do we simply try harder to keep the Law? In Romans 7, Paul provides a clear and adamant answer: we have "died to the law" and have been "released" from its bond. We no longer serve in the "old way of the written code," but in the "new way of the Spirit". It is the Holy Spirit, not the Law, who truly sanctifies us.

In Romans 8, Paul explains *why* we serve in this new way: the Spirit leads us, dwells in us, gives us hope, removes our fear of condemnation, and helps us overcome the deeds of the body. Today, we look at Romans 8:26-30 to see even deeper reasons why we serve through the Spirit.

-

**1. The Spirit Intercedes Because He Loves Us**

The scripture tells us that the Spirit intercedes for us through "wordless groans". A groan is a deep sound of pain, pressure, or despair.

Think of parents who groan over their children. While some might say life is easier without children, those who have them live under a unique burden of care. That groaning is an indication of deep love.

* The Holy Spirit groans for us because He deeply cares for and loves us.

* While we often talk about the love of the Father and the Son, we must acknowledge the love of the Spirit.

* He is our Counselor, Helper, and Comforter.

* He is an Advocate, just like Jesus, who is intimately involved in our lives.

**2. The Spirit Intercedes Because He Knows Us Exactly**

Another reason the Spirit prays for us through groans is that He knows our needs better than we do. Just as the father in the story of the Prodigal Son groaned because he knew his son was ruining his life—even while the son thought he was fine—the Spirit groans because He sees our true condition.

* The Spirit searches our hearts and knows us exactly.

* We often think we are okay despite a prayerless life or wrong motives because we don't know what we truly need.

* The Spirit knows even the deep thoughts of God.

* He reveals to us what is truly righteous and teaches us what we cannot see on our own.

* As the Author of Scripture, He knows both our problems and the ultimate solutions.

**3. The Spirit Intercedes for a Divine Purpose**

Parents groan for their children not just because they love them, but because they have a purpose and an earnest desire for them to succeed. Similarly, the Holy Spirit has a great expectation for your life.

* He does not pray according to our fleeting will, but according to the will of God.

* He knows that God’s will is always for our best interest.

* God’s ultimate purpose is that we would be "conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ".

For this specific purpose, God foreknew, called, justified, and will glorify us. The Spirit acts as a **Divine Sculptor**. A sculptor sees the finished form within a rough rock and chisels away everything that does not belong. Likewise, the Spirit sees the image of Jesus in our "rough" characters. He uses leading, correcting, and even groaning to chisel away our flaws until we reflect Christ.

---

**Conclusion**

We were saved to serve in this new way of the Spirit. Let us honor Him, listen to His counsel, and obey His leading. As we do, we are transformed into the image of the Lord, reaching greater and greater glory through His work.