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Scott's Reference Library
Romans 8:22 through Romans 8:27 (NIV)
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of
childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who
have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our
adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were
saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already
has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we
ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that
words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the
Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s
will.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 18-25
The sufferings of the saints strike no deeper than the things of time, last no
longer than the present time, are light afflictions, and but for a moment. How
vastly different are the sentence of the word and the sentiment of the world,
concerning the sufferings of this present time! Indeed the whole creation seems
to wait with earnest expectation for the period when the children of God shall
be manifested in the glory prepared for them. There is an impurity, deformity,
and infirmity, which has come upon the creature by the fall of man. There is an
enmity of one creature to another. And they are used, or abused rather, by men
as instruments of sin. Yet this deplorable state of the creation is in hope. God
will deliver it from thus being held in bondage to man’s depravity. The miseries
of the human race, through their own and each other’s wickedness, declare that
the world is not always to continue as it is. Our having received the
first-fruits of the Spirit, quickens our desires, encourages our hopes, and
raises our expectations. Sin has been, and is, the guilty cause of all the
suffering that exists in the creation of God. It has brought on the woes of
earth; it has kindled the flames of hell. As to man, not a tear has been shed,
not a groan has been uttered, not a pang has been felt, in body or mind, that
has not come from sin. This is not all; sin is to be looked at as it affects the
glory of God. Of this how fearfully regardless are the bulk of mankind!
Believers have been brought into a state of safety; but their comfort consists
rather in hope than in enjoyment. From this hope they cannot be turned by the
vain expectation of finding satisfaction in the things of time and sense. We
need patience, our way is rough and long; but He that shall come, will come,
though he seems to tarry.
VERSES 26-27
Though the infirmities of Christians are many and great, so that they would be
overpowered if left to themselves, yet the Holy Spirit supports them. The
Spirit, as an enlightening Spirit, teaches us what to pray for; as a sanctifying
Spirit, works and stirs up praying graces; as a comforting Spirit, silences our
fears, and helps us over all discouragements. The Holy Spirit is the spring of
all desires toward God, which are often more than words can utter. The Spirit
who searches the hearts, can perceive the mind and will of the spirit, the
renewed mind, and advocates his cause. The Spirit makes intercession to God, and
the enemy prevails not.