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The fact that the Spirit makes (and keeps on making) intercession for the saints is a key point of our text. For similar reasons, it is important that we recognize that He does this “according to the will of God.” (see Romans 8.26-27). These two verses provide the immediate and direct context for a verse that is all too often misunderstood and misapplied. Our devotional today will take a quick look at this much maligned verse and attempt to set it aright in our minds. Our method will be by simply allowing the context to speak!

The extended text reads: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8.26-28). Our focus verse, the last one cited, says “…all things work together for good.” How is this statement to be taken? What did Paul mean when he penned it? What does it mean today?

Without hesitation, this scribe will make one affirmation, and here it is: Whatever the verse meant when Paul wrote remains unchanged to this day! In fact, that affirmation can be made for any and every verse of the Bible. Whatever God meant then, He means now! His will has not changed and neither have the meanings of the verses of which He was the primary author. However, this leaves two questions yet to be answered; what did Paul mean when he wrote the words, and how does the meaning of the verse affect me today.

Again, let the text speak. Paul is writing about God, the Spirit, and matters within the heavenlies as they pertain to saints and their standing before God. As we pointed out in the previous lesson, God and the Spirit have a penchant for action! Every verb that pertains to Deity in verses 26,27 is a verb which depicts present and ongoing actions; He acts in this manner over and over again; He does not cease! God works on behalf of the saint; that is a primary principle of the text. Now, dear reader, read Paul’s words of verses 26,27; continue without pause into verse 28. God listens, the Spirit intercedes, and all of this according to God’s will; that is what He wills and wants to do for us. Having said that, keep reading - - “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” The thought does not change at verse 28, it is simply summarized there!

All that God does is on behalf of the believer; everything works together for our good! He listens, and the Spirit intercedes. It is not our working that is under consideration in Romans 8.28; it is God’s working! We can be certain of one thing; nothing is more important to God that the eternal salvation of all those who have named the name of Jesus Christ. What else does He do? He makes ways of escape, He lightens the burdens of the weary, His eyes remain on the righteous, and His ears are continually open to our prayers. Secular job descriptions are tough to write; God’s is impossible to write! We don’t have to understand everything to know that everything in heaven works together for our good!

Questions:

1. When it come to the Bible, how important is context in determining meaning?

2. Is context of much significance in determining the meaning of things outside the Bible? Illustrate that principle with everyday examples.

3. What is your view of God? In your mind, is He largely passive? How do the verses and examples just cited portray Him?

4. Deism portrays a God who abandoned His creation; is that the God of the Bible?

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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