Timeless

Here is the link to last week’s series on Romans 8.

Featured photo courtesy of John Carley

Romans 8:26 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. (CSB)

One of the sweetest benefits of walking with Jesus is the Helper given to a believer at salvation.

In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (CSB)

The Holy Spirit immediately comes to dwell in the heart of believers. He teaches us to pray according to the Father’s will.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27 (CSB)

I understand what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and unable to pray. You probably know that feeling as well. The Holy Spirit, indwelling every believer, gives voice to our unexpressed prayers.

Sometimes we don’t know what to say. But our Friend surely does.

Believers know who is receiving every prayer from the Spirit. Our Savior. Jesus. He knows first-hand what suffering and sadness all are about.

Stop and think. What was the very first thing Jesus did after His baptism but before He healed anyone or was even joined in His ministry by a disciple or a friend?

He was led, by the Spirit of God, into the dark lonely wilderness to be tempted by the enemy (don’t forget, He was not tempted by God. God never tempts anyone to sin).

And there He stayed for forty days and forty nights.

He was able to withstand the full onslaught of the tempter and all that he brought to bear, including hunger, grief, temptation and loneliness. He did it knowing full well that the Spirit intentionally led Him there.

It was the Spirit who would revive Him. And even though our Savior was fully God, He did not fall back on that. He walked through that wilderness as fully man.

Jesus knew the full impact of temptation, suffering, loneliness and darkness.

We know those moments, too. The difference is, He took the full force of each of those without giving in to sin.

So, if Jesus did not rely on His power as God, how did He overcome the wilderness temptations?

1. By setting His heart and mind on doing the Father’s will. John 4:34 & Hebrews 10:5-7
2. Knowing God’s Word Matthew 4:4
3. Trusting God’s promises without testing Him Matthew 4:7
4. Determining to honor and glorify God and God alone. Matthew 4:10

Why would we purposely choose to walk through even one day without the Spirit of God dwelling so richly in our lives?

Keeping the Spirit at a distance by indulging in sinful choices is a mistake. It robs your promised peace.

Thank You Father, for filling us with the very Spirit of God

Share the Good News in your world.

Isaiah 52:7

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible