HEAVENLY TRANSLATOR: HOW JESUS INTERCEDES FOR US

(Sermon Notes for Sunday, 2 November 2025)

Romans 8:26-27 (NASB)
26 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

In this passage of Scripture, it’s the Spirit of God, the third Person of the Godhead that is praying for us! That’s the focus of this passage of Scripture: "The prayers of the third Person of the Trinity, to the first Person of the Trinity on our behalf, regarding our sanctification and our moving forward in our Christian lives."

Outline for Romans 8:26-27:

1. The Involvement of the Spirit (v 26a) "...the Spirit also helps our weakness..."

2. The Intercession of the Spirit (v 26b) "...but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;"

3. The Intelligence of the Spirit (v 27) "...knows what the mind of the Spirit is..."

Romans 8:26b (NASB)
"...but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;"

The Spirit is intimately, personally, continually, constantly involved in our Spiritual lives; specifically with our sanctification.

The Holy Spirit Himself is personally, individually, and directly intercedes (present tense) for us.

To intercede means: you plead the case for someone else, on their behalf, before a superior.

I want you to know that you have, not one, but two Divine beings interceding to the Father on your behalf. God the Holy Spirit and God the Son is interceding on your behalf to God the Father.

God the Spirit: Romans 8:26 (NASB) Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

God the Son: Romans 8:34 (NASB) … Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Hebrews 7:23-25 (NASB) The former priests, (referring to those in the Old Covenant in the Old Testament) on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,  24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

1. As Our Advocate Before the Father
 
1 John 2:1 “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Jesus represents us personally in the presence of God, pleading our case, not on the basis of our righteousness, but on His own.  
 
2. As Our Great High Priest
 
Hebrews 4:14–16; 7:24–25 “He always lives to make intercession for them.”

Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God, continually bringing us into the Father’s presence.
 
3. Through His Finished Sacrifice
 
Hebrews 9:12 “He entered once for all into the holy places… by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”

His once-for-all atoning death is an ongoing intercession—His blood speaks permanently on our behalf.  
 
4. By His Ongoing Presence at the Right Hand of God
 
Romans 8:34 “Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

His very presence in heaven is an eternal testimony that the work of salvation is complete.  
 
5. By Praying for Us Personally
 
John 17:9, 20 “I am praying for them… also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

In His high priestly prayer (John 17), Jesus interceded for His disciples and for all future believers—including us.  
 
6. By Sustaining Our Faith
 
Luke 22:31–32 “But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.”

Jesus intercedes for our perseverance in faith. His prayer keeps us from falling away completely.
   
7. By Defending Us Against Accusation
 
Romans 8:33–34 “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?... Christ Jesus… is interceding for us.”

Jesus silences the accusations of Satan (see Revelation 12:10) with His finished work.

8. By Sending and Working Through the Holy Spirit
 
John 14:16–17 “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

Jesus interceded for us by requesting the Father to send the Holy Spirit, who continues His work within us.
 
9. By Preparing a Place for Us
 
John 14:2–3 “I go to prepare a place for you.”

His heavenly preparation is part of His priestly ministry—ensuring our eternal home and ongoing fellowship with the Father.
   
10. By Guaranteeing Our Salvation and Standing
 
Hebrews 7:25; Jude 24 — “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him.”

His intercession ensures our salvation is secure, complete, and enduring.

Picture the courtroom of heaven. The enemy stands to accuse you, listing every failure and sin. But you have two attorneys who have never lost a case — the Holy Spirit within you, and Jesus Christ at the right hand of the Father.

The Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words, and the Son declares, "This one is Mine — paid in full." Two intercessors, two advocates — one verdict: Not guilty!

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”