Unmasking the Holy Spirit Week 2 – Why We Need the Holy Spirit
Unmasking the Holy Spirit • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 5 viewsWe cannot face life in our own strength; the Spirit removes the mask of weakness and intercedes for us.
Notes
Transcript
Announcements:
Pumpkin Patch
2. Sponsors for BGMC materials for the kids
3. Offering box is in the back
4. Bible reading plan is on the back table
5. Our next TableTalk is on SUnday, October 26th at 5PM and the theme is “Around the World”
Worship:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction:
Last week we started our series by revealing some important aspects of the Holy Spirit. We talked about how the Holy Spirit is a person; not a impersonal force, He reveals God the Father and God the Son to us and He is always with us.
7 Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.
We also talked about not only unmasking the Holy Spirit but also how we need to take off the masks we wear.
Masks can sometimes be used not just to hide identity, but to cover weakness. Think about actors in theater or superheroes in movies — the mask makes them look strong, powerful, invincible. But behind the mask? There’s still a person with fears, limits, and needs.
In the same way, we often try to mask our weaknesses — acting like we’ve got it all together, pretending we can handle life on our own. But the truth is, we all come to moments where our strength runs out. That’s where the Spirit comes in. He steps in where we are weak. He is not optional — He is essential.
Main Point
We cannot face life in our own strength; the Spirit removes the mask of weakness and intercedes for us.
Exposition of the Text
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Body:
1. The Spirit helps us in our weakness (v. 26).
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.
We don’t like admitting weakness. But Paul reminds us that weakness is the very place where the Spirit shows His strength.
Illustration: During the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, runner Derek Redmond tore his hamstring mid-race. Collapsing on the track, he tried to hobble forward. Suddenly, his father ran from the stands, put Derek’s arm over his shoulder, and carried him across the finish line. That’s a picture of the Spirit. When we can’t run, He comes alongside us, lifts us, and helps us keep moving forward.
Transition:
2. The Spirit intercedes when we don’t know how to pray (v. 26).
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.
There are times when words fail us — grief too deep, situations too overwhelming. But the Spirit prays through us, expressing what we cannot.
Illustration: Think of a young child trying to tell a story but fumbling for words. A parent leans down and says, “I know what you’re trying to say,” and explains it clearly. That’s the Spirit in prayer — He takes our groans, our confusion, our sighs, and translates them perfectly to the Father.
Transition:
3. The Spirit always prays according to God’s will (v. 27).
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Unlike us, the Spirit never misses the target. His intercession aligns perfectly with God’s plan for our lives.
Illustration: A GPS recalculates when we get lost. But unlike us, the Spirit never gets lost, never recalculates. His prayers always keep us on God’s path, even when we’re drifting.
Application
We can stop pretending. We don’t need to mask our weakness before God or others. The Spirit already knows our need. He meets us in our brokenness, not our perfection.
So instead of masking your struggles, let the Spirit help you. Lean into His strength, His intercession, His presence.
Conclusion:
Masks eventually slip. Weakness always shows. But when our strength fails, the Spirit steps in. He is not optional; He is necessary. He removes the mask of self-sufficiency and meets us right where we are.
So today, don’t be ashamed of your weakness. Celebrate it, because it’s in weakness that the Spirit’s help is revealed.
6 So he answered me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Armies.
