Read Romans 8:26-28
In our last article we saw that all creation has suffered the consequences of Adam’s fall into sin. “The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Rom 8:22).1 Not only so, but even we who are believers, though our spirits have been made alive (v10), “even we ourselves groan within ourselves” (v23). However, verse 23 goes on to say that we are “waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” As believers in the Lord Jesus, we have a tremendous future to look forward to. However, in the meanwhile we have to live in this world. In this section Paul writes of what God has supplied in order to support us through all the trials we have to face.
First, I would draw to your attention that Romans 8:26 commences with the word “likewise,” which indicates that what he is about to write also applies to what he has already stated in verse 25. The first factor that enables the believer to triumph is the certainty of hope. The guarantee that these mortal bodies of ours are going to be redeemed (v23) supplies us with the fortitude to continue, regardless of the trials we have to endure. Imagine what a life of pain would be like if all we had to look forward to was death.
Now in verse 26 Paul states, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings” (NET). When we are experiencing suffering, either physical pain or some other trial, we do not know what we should pray, whether for deliverance from the trial or for grace to endure the trial. At such times we have an unseen intercessor, the Holy Spirit, who intercedes on our behalf, even though we are totally unaware of His intercession. Not only so, but, states Paul, “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will” (v27 NET). Without going into the details of this verse, we learn that the omniscient Holy Spirit always knows how to intercede, consistent with the will of God and our present need.
Not only so, writes Paul, “But we do know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to purpose” (v28 JND). In verse 26 Paul said that “we do not know how we should pray.” While that is true, on the other hand, Paul states what we do know. In both of these verses Paul uses the verb which means “to know experientially.” What he is saying here is that, though under trial, we don’t know what we should pray, yet, on the other hand, experience has taught us that “all things work together for good to those who love God.”
Notice, first, that Paul states “all things,” not “some things.” In the verses that follow, we read the expression “all things” twice. We read it first in verse 32. There, we might describe it as “all things desirable.” We read it again in verse 37, where we read of “all these things.” There we have “all things undesirable.” If we put these together, we get the “all things” of verse 28. Then, notice that in verse 28 Paul states “all things work.” That is, not only are they designed for our good, but they accomplish God’s purpose in our lives.
Next, notice that he writes “all things work together.” God allows all the varied circumstances of our lives, the desirable and undesirable, in perfect proportion, to work together for our good. Imagine, for example, that you wanted to bake a beautiful cake. First, you would put together all the ingredients required to make the cake. You wouldn’t have the same amount of each item. You would use a large amount of flour, but a very small amount of salt, etc. Some of the ingredients may be very tasty on their own, such as sugar and raisins. But you would never eat a quantity of salt or flour on its own. All the ingredients must be mixed together in their right proportions and then baked in the oven at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. If everything is done right, you will produce the beautiful cake that you planned. God is seeking to produce beauty in our lives. He knows all the conditions that are necessary for each of our lives to produce the results He is seeking. God never makes mistakes. He doesn’t have to try something and hope it works. Sometimes He has to repeat trials in our lives because we are so slow to learn. We could certainly make life easier for ourselves. Are God’s goals always produced in our lives? The answer is no. However, it is not because God’s methods are at fault.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul says, “No temptation [test] has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted [tested] beyond what you are able, but with the temptation [test] will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (NKJV). Notice the phrase “the way of escape.” This doesn’t refer to escape from the trial, but through the trial. What a wonderful promise! But does it always work? The answer is no. What is the problem? Notice the next verse, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” (v14). Idolatry was a problem that the Corinthian Christians were faced with. They had been idolaters all their lives until they trusted Christ, and even now had difficulty in making a clean break from it. It was their weak spot. So, we must flee as quickly and as far from the weak areas of our lives. God’s way of dealing with us will definitely work, if we are yielded and willing to learn from our trials. We will continue this subject in our next article.
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV unless otherwise noted.
