8:26-27 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
8:26-27 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
This is a continuation of Paul's teaching from V17 (CP V17-25). We learn from V23 here, that Christians themselves are also groaning within themselves awaiting the redemption of their bodies (CP 2Cor 5:1-4).
The Holy Spirit we have been given is the pledge of Christ's coming to redeem us, and we patiently wait for Him (CP 2Cor 1:21-22; 5:5; Eph 1:12-14; 4:30).
In the midst of these circumstances we are at a loss to know what to pray for at times, and as we pray in tongues the Holy Spirit takes hold with us and helps us to pray as we should.
He does not take over and pray for us as some teach - it is a joint effort on both our parts. The word helpeth in Ro 8:26 means to take hold together with.
God who searches our hearts, knows what the mind of the Spirit is, and the Spirit makes intercession for us according to God's will (CP Psa 139:1-2 with 1Cor 2:11).