This Comforter

THIS COMFORTER

ROMANS 8.26-28

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

We move away from the simplicity of Acts 2:4 and journey into the world of the Holy Spirit. His purpose and the release of power He imparts into our lives and the granting of spiritual strength beyond our imagination can indeed become “scary,” because we could be labeled a church fanatic. Perhaps it is out of this fear that we have placed the Holy Spirit in such a small capsule of what He can or cannot do that we miss His purpose for our lives.

At the very least, it makes us uncomfortable to declare His influence and the availability of power He has provided. In fact, it is the placement of that power that is confusing to us.

Jesus states, “He shall glorify me.” What greater glory can be given than to bring the wayward son and daughter across the threshold of spiritual power? Is it not amazing that this power source is meant for every Christian, not a select few?

The very word “comfort” means to come alongside to aid; not to wipe tears, but to give strength.

Romans 8:26-28 gives you a glimpse of this power at work within you, this river of life, flowing so freely from our innermost being.

I. INTERCESSORY PRAYER

A. VERSE 26: “When you do not know how to pray,” He does with                              “groaning too deep for words.” HE PUSHES OUR FLESHLY AND        CARNAL NATURE ASIDE AND REACHES INTO THE HEAVENLY THRONE ROOM. HE KNOWS HOW

B. VERSE 27: HE TAKES MY PRAYER THROUGH THIS UNIQUE      RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND REDIRECTS MY PRAYER, MAKING IT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD ACCORDING TO HIS    PERFECT WILL.

C. THE GREATEST SINGLE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL   INTERCESSORY PRAYER IS LEARNING TO COOPERATE SO HE CAN BE ALL THAT HE SUPPOSED TO BE IN OUR LIVES.

II. STRENGTH TO REPLACE WEAKNESS

A. THEN COMES VERSE 28 WITH “AND” ALL THINGS DO                            NOT WORK TOGETHER AUTOMATICALLY. THERE ARE                    CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET. BUT ALL THINGS                     CAN WORK, FOR HE KNOWS HOW TO STAND                                 ALONGSIDE OF US TO MAKE THEM WORK

B. HE HELPS ME IN MY “WEAKNESS,” MY INABILITY TO        PRODUCE RESULTS, WHICH OFTEN INCLUDES MY   STRUGGLE TO KNOW GOD’S WILL ABOUT A CERTAIN   ISSUE.

C. JOHN 15:16: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your     fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” THE WORD “ORDAINED” MEANS,           “MAKE YOU LEGAL.” IN ROMANS 8: 26: “SHOULD” MEANS          GIVING YOU THE RIGHT APPROACH TO WHAT IS LEGALLY   YOURS

     D. GOD DECLARES YOU HAVE A LEGAL RIGHT BY                                      BIRTH…THE HOLY SPIRIT TAKES THAT LEGAL          AGREEMENT WITH GOD AND SHOWS US IN PRAYER HOW       TO USE IT.

III. VICTORIOUS LIVING

A. WE DO NOT ALWAYS KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN,                       BUT OUR “HELPER”/”COMFORTER” – HE KNOWS.

B. HE PRAYS THROUGH US AS WE ALLOW HIM, AND HE                 CONNECTS US DIRECTLY INTO GOD’S WILL AND                                RESULTS TRANSPIRE.

C. THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVING IN US ONLY NEEDS OUR                                  PERMISSION TO BE TURNED LOOSE TO BRING US TO                      VICTORY.

Conclusion: He is much, much, much more than just Acts 2:4. I find comfort in His power to take me where I need to go.