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“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27, ESV)

Pastor Abel’s sermon on this passage is titled, “Living with Weakness”.

The book of Psalms is rich with images that depict the faithfulness of God towards his weak people. One example is quite familiar to us. It is David’s Psalm 23, which says:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

In the sermon, we dwelt on three truths that reflect the weakness of the sheep in David’s psalm but also remind us that even as helpless sheep, we are safe because God is with us.

  1. I’m weak, but He is strong.
  2. I can’t, but He can.
  3. I don’t know, but He knows.

Being called a sheep, weak, incapable, or ignorant these days is often seen as an insult, but to a Christian they are accurate descriptions of the reality. When we truly trust in the Lord and admit our weakness, he is with us and works in us in powerful ways.

This week, consider reading in the Psalms and reflect on how much you need God.

 

Further Study

 

Small Group Questions

  • Which of the three phrases from the sermon resonates with you the most and why?
  • Why is it so important to recognize our own weakness and God’s strength?
  • What are some things we can do this week to remember to rely on Christ?
  • If you have some extra time, read and discuss one of the Psalms listed above as a group.