Sermon Tone Analysis

I. OUR NEED FOR HELP

Romans 8:26 (ESV) — 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:20–23 (ESV) — 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

II.

THE SPIRIT HELPS US

Romans 8:26–30 (ESV) — 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

By now, Paul has described five ways in which the Spirit helps believers, in Romans 8 alone:

· The Spirit sets us free “from the law [or “principle”] of sin and death” (Rom.

8:2).

· The Spirit sets our minds “on the things of the Spirit” (8:5).

· The Spirit dwells in us (8:9) and gives life to our mortal bodies (8:11).

· By the Spirit, we “put to death the deeds of the body” (8:13).

· By the Spirit’s leading, we become “sons of God” and “the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit” that this is true (8:14–16).[1]

2 Chronicles 6:30 (ESV) — 30 then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind…

[1]Doriani, D. M. (2021).

Romans (R. D. Phillips, P. G. Ryken, & D. M. Doriani, Eds.; p. 284).

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