Romans 8 - Third Sermon

Note: These are my notes prior to the Sunday morning service. The actual content of the sermon may vary when delivered.

Passage(s)

Romans 8:26–30 NIV2011

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 through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Note: Whilst the Gospel reading covers up to verse 36, this sermon is only aimed at 26-30.

Introduction

Recap

Prayer is not always easy,

Content

Prayer - we pray often only when we know what to say - which is wrong. Our Pentecostal friends, with their emphasis on Praying in Tongues, are often closer to what Paul is saying here.

God within us appealing to God above us - paraphrase of C.H. Dodd.

Groaning - tensions between the now and not yet. Creation groaning. Groaning about me not following the path of the Spirit, rather the path of the Flesh.

“All things work together for good” qualified / context. This is for his children.

Conclusion

Through all that Jesus has done in his death and resurrection, we have been forgiven, we have been justified, we have peace with God, there is no condemnation, we are sons and daughters, co-heirs with Jesus himself. Thus if we keep our focus on Jesus, and what he commands such as to hear God’s Word, to be baptised, to make disciples, to love God and to love our neighbour, then All things are going to work together for good, as we are in God’s will. Go and be Jesus people in your homes, work, and wherever you may be.

References

Barclay, William, ed. The Letter to the Romans. The Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia: The Westminster John Knox Press, 1975.

Middendorf, Michael P. Romans 1–8. Edited by Dean O. Wenthe and Curtis P. Giese. Concordia Commentary. Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2013.

Morris, Leon. The Epistle to the Romans. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1988.

Wright, Tom. Paul for Everyone: Romans Part 1: Chapters 1-8. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004.