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Romans - Lesson 36

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Romans 8:23-27

Despite present suffering, the Spirit intercedes on your behalf, bridging the gap between your current state and the promised future. Interpretations vary regarding the Spirit's role, yet its ministry remains pivotal in sustaining you through weakness and uncertainty. This lesson reviews the intricate dynamics between human frailty and divine intervention, finding assurance in the Spirit's unyielding support.

Douglas Moo
Douglas Moo
Romans
Lesson 36
Watching Now
Romans 8:23-27

III. The Assurance Provided by the Gospel: The Hope of Salvation (5:1–8:39)

A. The Hope of Glory (5:1-21)

1. From Justification to Salvation (5:1-11)

2. The Reign of Grace and Life (5:12-21)

B. Freedom from Bondage to Sin (6:1-23)

1. "Dead to Sin" through Union with Christ (6:1-14)

2. Freed from Sin's Power to Serve Righteousness (6:15-23)

C. Freedom from Bondage to the Law (7:1-25)

1. Released from the Law, Joined to Christ (7:1-6)

2. The History and Experience of Jews under the Law (7:7-25)

a. The Coming of the Law (7:7-12)

b. Life under the Law (7:13-25)

D. Assurance of Eternal Life in the Spirit (8:1-30)

1. The Spirit of Life (8:1-13)

2. The Spirit of Adoption (8:14-17)

3. The Spirit of Glory (8:18-30)

E. The Believer's Security Celebrated (8:31-39)

 


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  • 1. Introduction to Paul's Letter to the Romans
    This lesson offers a deep dive into Paul's Letter to the Romans, revealing its pastoral aims, Paul's intentions to visit Spain, Jerusalem, and Rome, and its relevance to early Christian dynamics and theological inquiries about the Law in Christ's time.
  • 2. Introduction to the "New Perspective" on Paul
    This lesson offers a fresh view of Paul's theology, focusing on Romans. It emphasizes the first-century context, highlighting Gentile inclusion and unity in Christ, challenging traditional views. Gain insights into Paul's message and its relevance today.
  • 3. Class Discussion on the Introduction
    Explore the book of Romans for modern faith conflicts: balance tradition with contemporary practices, learn from history, and grasp Paul's ministry and Gospel's complexities.
  • 4. Romans 1:2-5
    Follow along with Dr. Moo as he begins a thorough review of Romans 1:2-5. You will learn how Paul emphasizes Jesus' earthly life, resurrection, and his appointment as the Son of God in power. This lesson examines the interconnectedness of faith and obedience, underscoring that while faith initiates salvation, genuine faith inherently entails obedience to Christ as Lord, maintaining a balanced Christian life.
  • 5. Romans 1:16-17
    By delving into Romans 1:16-17, you'll understand the Gospel extends beyond individual salvation, encompassing God's reign over creation and His establishment of justice. The Gospel challenges worldly powers, offering hope and transformation to all who embrace it.
  • 6. Class Discussion on Romans 1:16-17
    Listen along as the class discusses questions and answers revolving around Romans 1:16-17.
  • 7. Romans 1:18-28
    In Romans 1:18-28, you learn that all people are held accountable by God, having knowledge of Him through natural revelation but some turn away. This passage highlights the manifestation of God's wrath against sin, the exchange of truth for falsehoods, and the absence of excuses for humanity's actions, ultimately emphasizing God's fair judgment.
  • 8. Class Discussion on Romans 1:18-28
    Listen in as the class and Dr. Moo discuss aspects of Romans 1:18-28.
  • 9. Romans 2:1-11
    The lesson discusses Romans 2:1-11, it highlights the use of the diatribe device and the transition from focusing on Gentiles to Jews. It underscores the Jewish belief in their special status and their potential misunderstanding of God's judgment. The lesson reviews the focus of the text on key themes such as judgment, righteousness, and the relationship between faith and good deeds.
  • 10. Romans 2:12-16
    In this lesson, you'll review the significance of the Law, notably the Law of Moses, in God's judgment. Paul stresses that mere knowledge of the Law isn't sufficient for righteousness; obedience is key. The primary message is that salvation ultimately relies on God's grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as human efforts and consciences alone cannot secure salvation. This lesson highlights the importance of understanding these concepts in interactions with people of different religious beliefs.
  • 11. Romans 2:17–3:20
    The key takeaway in this lesson is that while being a Jew comes with a great heritage, it doesn't guarantee salvation. Obedience to God's law is crucial, and reliance on religious heritage or rituals won't save you. The lesson emphasizes the universal human condition of being under the power of sin, and people cannot be declared righteous in God’s sight by observing the Law or by the works of the Law. Only through faith in Christ are we made righteous.
  • 12. Romans 3:20
    This lesson explores the New Perspective on Paul, emphasizing that the Law was for Jewish covenant status, not just salvation. It promotes a holistic faith view, balancing vertical and horizontal aspects, Spirit-led obedience, and 1st-century Judaism diversity, enriching Pauline teachings in the church.
  • 13. Romans 3:21-23
    In exploring Romans 3:21-26, you'll gain insights into the relationship between righteousness, faith, and salvation. Paul highlights God's righteousness, which is accessible to all through faith in Jesus Christ. By weaving together themes of righteousness, faith, and inclusivity, Paul challenges conventional Jewish and Gentile perspectives, emphasizing the continuity of God's salvation plan while underscoring the centrality of faith in Christ for all believers.
  • 14. Romans 3:24-26
    In this lesson, you will gain insights into the potential challenge in translating Romans 3:23-24, particularly the term "all" and its connection to the debate on universalism in evangelicalism. Dr. Moo stresses the importance of coherence in biblical interpretation and explores the themes of God's righteousness, faith, and grace in justification. The lesson reviews the cultural background of redemption, drawing parallels with the Greco-Roman slave market and emphasizing the need to understand both the problem of sin and the Gospel solution.
  • 15. Justification (Part 1)
    Embarking on this lesson, you'll gain insight into the historical development and contemporary challenges surrounding the doctrine of justification. Through exploring classic Reformation principles and contemporary reassessments, you'll understand the tensions between Protestant and Roman Catholic perspectives, particularly regarding the infusion of righteousness and the role of grace.
  • 16. Justification (Part 2)
    The lesson explores the intricate connection between faith and works, justification, and sanctification in contemporary theological discourse. It delineates divergent views on justification, with scholars like Piper advocating for the preservation of biblical distinctions amidst modern theological trends. The lesson examines key questions regarding the meaning, basis, time, and means of justification.
  • 17. Class Discussion on Justification
    Students in Dr. Moo's class ask multiple questions about justification.
  • 18. Romans 3:27–4:25
    By studying Romans 3:27-4:25, you gain insight into Paul's theology, where faith, exemplified by Abraham's righteousness, transcends works and ethnicity, emphasizing the universal scope of salvation through Christ.
  • 19. Class discussion on Romans 3:27–4:25
    Hear the questions the students ask regarding Romans 3:27–4:25. And discover Dr. Moo's answers to the questions posed.
  • 20. Introduction to Romans 5-8
    In Romans 5 – 8, you gain insights into profound theological concepts like justification, identity in Christ, and the tension between present reality and future hope, guiding you to embrace your changed identity and hope for future transformation amidst life's trials.
  • 21. Class Discussion on the Introduction to Romans 5–8
    Students as deep questions about Romans 5-8. Hear what Dr. Moo presents as answers to their questions.
  • 22. Romans 5:1-11
    Through Romans 5:1-11, you'll review the contrast between the Old and New Realms, understanding the essence of living in grace, finding hope amid suffering, and experiencing the assurance of eternal security rooted in Christ's sacrifice and God's love poured into believers' hearts by the Holy Spirit.
  • 23. Romans 5:12-21
    In Romans 5:12-21, Paul contrasts Adam's sin with Christ's redemptive grace, emphasizing humanity's hope and victory over death through union with Christ, while various interpretations of original sin underscore the universal need for redemption and Christ's pivotal role in restoring humanity to God.
  • 24. Class discussion on Romans 5:12-21
    Listen to the thorough questions the students ask regarding Romans 5:12-21.
  • 25. Class Discussion on Romans 6:1-14
    The students ask excellent questions of Dr. Moo in this insightful discussion on Romans 6:1-14.
  • 26. Romans 6:1-23
    Through this lesson, you will gain a deeper understanding of the theological implications of Christ's death and resurrection as explained in Romans 6. You will explore different interpretations of Paul's language regarding the old self and the new self, considering the implications for the Christian life. Ultimately, you will be challenged to recognize your identity in Christ and to actively live according to that identity, rejecting the slavery of sin and embracing servitude to God.
  • 27. Class Discussion on Romans 6:1-23
    Hear the questions the students ask of Dr. Moo regarding Romans 6:1-23.
  • 28. Introduction to Romans 7:1-25
    In diving into Romans 7, you'll explore the Law's role in Christian life. Paul's discourse clarifies the distinction between law and gospel, emphasizing the Torah's significance in understanding divine commandments.
  • 29. Romans 7:1-6
  • 30. Class discussion on Romans 7:1-6
    Class discussion on Romans 7:1-6
  • 31. Romans 7:7-12
    In Romans 7:7-12, Paul explores the Law's role in intensifying sin and contrasts it with Christ's liberation. His narrative prompts reflection on individual experience and collective identity, enriching understanding of Christian faith.
  • 32. Class discussion on Romans 7:7-12
    The class discusses the previous lesson on Romans 7:7-12.
  • 33. Romans 7:13-25
    This lesson covers interpretations of Romans 7:13-25; whether Paul's description is of pre- or post-conversion struggle with the Law.
  • 34. Romans 8:1-22
    In Romans 8:1-22, discover the Spirit's transformative power over sin, leading to a life free from condemnation, intimacy with God, and anticipation of future glory amid present sufferings.
  • 35. Romans 8:19-22
    Explore the theological insights on environmental stewardship, emphasizing Christian responsibility in light of Romans 8:19-22.
  • 36. Romans 8:23-27
    Gain insights into Romans 8:23-27, understanding destined glory despite present suffering. The Spirit intercedes, bridging current and promised futures, offering assurance amid weakness.
  • 37. Romans 8:28-39
    Romans 8:28 offers profound insights into the nature of God's providence and the believer's journey of faith. Beyond its surface meaning, the verse challenges misconceptions about 'good' and underscores the transformative power of God's grace. It invites believers to trust in God's unfailing love amidst life's trials, anchoring their hope in the assurance of His sovereign care and redemptive purposes.
  • 38. Romans 9:1-5
    Romans 9:1-5 highlights Paul's profound concern for Israel's salvation and the theological complexities surrounding God's promises. Reviewing salvation history, you'll learn that God's offer of salvation for both Jew and Gentile, fits within the Old Testament narrative.
  • 39. Romans 9:6-29
    Paul discusses Israel's role in God's plan, emphasizing grace over race. He illustrates divine choices and sovereignty, sparking debates on salvation.
  • 40. Romans 9:30-31
    Discover diverse views on election, Israel's struggle with faith, and the significance of overcoming theological narrowness in Romans 9:30-10:21. Gain insights into law versus faith in attaining righteousness and the importance of engaging deeply with Scripture for a comprehensive understanding.
  • 41. Romans 9:32–10:4
    Gain insights into faith versus works, Christ as the culmination of the Law, and the inclusivity of righteousness through Him. Embrace unity in Christ, transcending cultural divisions, and embodying love and holiness.
  • 42. Romans 10:5-13
    Gain insight into contrasting righteousness by law vs. faith in Romans 10:5-13. Accessibility of salvation through Christ bridges Old and New Testament teachings, emphasizing unity and continuity.
  • 43. Romans 10:14–11:10
    Gain insights into Romans 10:14-21, emphasizing faith, preaching, and Israel's reception of the message. Dr. Moo highlights Paul's use of Old Testament quotes and God's ongoing relationship with Israel, revealing the significance of faith and salvation.
  • 44. Romans 11:11-15
    Gain insight into Romans 11:11-15. Paul discusses Jewish rejection, Gentile salvation, and Jewish inclusion, aiming to provoke Jewish envy. The phrase "life from the dead" hints at spiritual renewal or future resurrection.
  • 45. Romans 11:16-24
    Gain insights into the Olive Tree analogy in Romans 11:16-24. Understand humility, faithfulness, and the purpose of warning passages in Scripture.
  • 46. Romans 11:25-32
    Discover the mystery of Israel's salvation in Romans 11:25-32. Paul reveals unity of Jews and Gentiles, challenging arrogance and emphasizing God's inclusive love.
  • 47. Class discussion on Romans 11:11-32
    Gain deeper understanding of Christian-Jewish ties, navigate theological challenges, address Israel-Palestine tensions, and embrace God's inclusive grace.
  • 48. Romans 12:1-2
    Gain deep insights into Romans 12:1-2: True worship extends beyond rituals, urging sacrificial living and transformation in response to God's mercy.
  • 49. Romans 12:3-8
    In Romans 12:3-8, Paul stresses humility, unity, and diverse gifts within the body of Christ, urging faithful stewardship for the edification of the body of Christ.
  • 50. Romans 12:9-21
    Gain insights into love's complexity in Romans 12:9-21. Paul urges sincere affection, alludes to Jesus' teachings, and prompts contemplation on love and judgment.
  • 51. Romans 13:1-14
    Gain insights into balancing submission to authorities with obedience to God. Understand the context of Paul's exhortation to Roman Christians and the complexities of submission, emphasizing humility, unity, and love in the Christian life within God's sovereignty.
  • 52. Romans 14:1–15:13
  • 53. Romans 15:14–16:27

Dr. Douglas Moo, from Wheaton College Graduate School, offers an exegetical examination of the book of Romans. This course was recorded during a D.Min. seminar at the Carolina Graduate School of Divinity in May 2012.

Please note that the audio mp3 file numbers on downloaded files are two greater than each lecture number beginning with number 15.

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Dr. Douglas Moo 
Romans 
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Romans 8:23-27  
Lesson Transcript

 

Romans 8:23-27

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In 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 through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, becausethe Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 

A. We Are Destined for Glory: 

While it does seem to me this is one of these few texts that contributes to New Testament theology of creation, (there aren’t too many) nevertheless, Paul is integrating this text into a larger argument which is about the glory that we believers are destined for. So, you see the parallelism that he comes back to now in verse 23. As creation groans, waiting for its liberation; so, we believers who have the first fruits of the Spirit groan as we wait for our adoption to sonship. 

One of the really interesting things here is that Paul has already talked about our adoption to sonship earlier in verse 15. Here we have a classic already/not yet point about New Testament theology. We are adopted already, we are God’s children, and yet there is something incomplete about that process of adoption. We are still looking ahead to the finalization of our adoption in the future. 

Paul says that in the meantime we groan. This word groan is a word used in the Exodus accounts when it talks about the people of Israel in Egypt. It talks about present distress and suffering but also speaks about hoped for deliverance that is coming. It is an imagery that Paul has already used in verse 22 about creation groaning in the pains of childbirth. There is that image of suffering or pain that nevertheless is looking toward a joyful positive outcome. 

Here is a text again that reminds us of our situation as believers, one foot in the old age and one foot in the new, one foot in the old realm and one foot in the new. We are in the process of becoming what God has destined us to be. He has already done this work in us; we have the Spirit and we have been adopted, but not yet have our bodies been raised, not yet have they been redeemed, as Paul says in this verse. So, right now we suffer, we groan, looking ahead to the deliverance which we are going to experience, with however, and that is the next point Paul comes to, we groan with a sense of assurance from God that He is for us, working on our behalf.

 

B. The Ministry of the Spirit: 

In verses 26-30, note my 3 P’s here, trying to be a little homiletical, we are sustained as we groan by prayer, providence, and predestination. Paul says that the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. What is Paul referring to here?  What is this ministry of the Spirit to which he is referring in verses 26-27? 

Student:  
I’ve interpreted this in a couple of ways. One interpretation is that God knows what we need before we can even verbalize what it is that we need. I also think we can all relate to a time when we said, God, I need Your help, and we had no earthly idea what the answer was going to be. Or I don’t know what to pray for that individual, but just be there. I think we can all relate to that.

Dr. Moo:  
My wife and I went through that just a week ago. We had some news from her brother, it’s not appropriate for me to go into details, but it was a situation of general messed-up-ness. We looked at each other and said, we don’t even know what to pray for here. God, do your work, Spirit, intervene.  But what to pray for, we didn’t know. The confidence that we didn’t know, but the Spirit did. When we are unclear and uncertain about how to pray, there is a ministry of the Spirit going on that is effective and that always is in accordance with the will of God. 

Student:  
Due to the nature of the text and the kind of the debate that it would cause if I stated my position where I stand as a Wesleyan Pentecostal, I plead the 5th on this.  (laughter)

Dr. Moo:  
So, would people in your movement take this to mean speaking in tongues then?

Student: Yes.

Dr. Moo:   
Okay. Some of you know the name Gordon Fee? I have worked with him on the translation committee for many years now. Gordon is in the Pentecostal tradition. He takes that interpretation here. There are a number of respectable scholars in addition to lay people that take that view.  

I think the problem of that view for me – and maybe you and I disagree on this – is I view speaking in tongues, it isn’t a gift given to everybody. Here, Paul seems to be talking about something that all Christians experience, this ministry of the Spirit praying on our behalf. 

Student:  
I think we have seen in a time of greatest need, where the evidences of the presence of the Holy Spirit are most needed. I was sitting beside my mother while my dad’s funeral was being conducted. My mother very, very quietly began to speak in tongues.  As I sat there and listened to her, I thought of all the times in her life when she needed help, the Holy Spirit is comforting her now, with indescribable comfort. It caused me, in fact, I fell in love with the Lord all over again that day, sitting there listening to her.  

Student:  
At the same time, I hold his (Dr. Moo’s) position to the extent that there are times in our lives when we have a crisis experience, where it is just not the gift of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but it is the comforting, the presence of the Holy Spirit. That’s what got me through last year when my mother passed away; that’s what gets me through it every time Noah has to go to the hospital.  

Dr. Moo:  
Interpreted in a variety of ways, we could disagree on the specifics maybe, but the central truth that in our weakness, in our groaning in this world, by the Spirit, God comes to our aid. There is a providential working of God throughout this life that the Spirit is active and engaged in doing on our behalf. That ministry is always there, but I think when we are in our deepest need, is when we turn and realize our resources are inadequate, when that ministry becomes especially obvious and comforting. 

Student:  
It’s that “come alongside,” a classic example.

Student:  
I don’t think he is talking about speaking in tongues at this point, it’s beyond tongues. 

Dr. Moo:  
It may be or may not be. Maybe we can agree that that is one form that Paul is talking about here. I do think it is broader than that. Part of the issue is in terms of the text. When Paul says things that words that cannot be expressed; does he mean that they are sounds that don’t take the form of words, or does it mean that it is inaudible entirely, that the Spirit is doing something in the heart, inaudible to us in terms of pleading for our sakes before God.

Student:  
Are you saying that the Spirit is speaking in tongues through you? Is that what you are saying? That the Spirit is praying by praying in you, and it’s manifested as tongues? Is that what is going on?

 

C. Groaning of the Spirit: 

Student:  
I’m saying that the Spirit, in Pentecostal circles, the Spirit manifests itself, not just in tongues but in other gifts as well. 

Student:  
But in this text, you’re saying that the Spirit is compelling prayer in tongues? The Spirit wouldn’t be praying; why would the Spirit be praying? 

Student:  
The text is saying “with wordless groans.” Acts 2:4 says when they spoke with tongues they spoke as the Spirit gave utterance, which means that they heard words, they heard everything in their own language on the day of Pentecost.  Here it is saying it’s wordless groans. I think this is a comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Student:  
You don’t think it’s referring to tongues?

Student:  
It could.

Dr. Moo:  
Did you hear (student) saying he wanted to be careful not to be pinned down since this is on tape? Is that what I heard you say? (laughter)

Student:  
What would a traditional Pentecostal say that it is? 

Student:  
A traditional Pentecostal would say – it would be a divided camp – some would say yes that it is tongues; some would say no, this is something leading up to that. 

Student:  
Isn’t part of the teaching in the camp too that this is more of a personal administration of the Spirit, a personal speaking in tongues, rather than where you are in a worship service where the speaking needs to be interpreted? This is a one-on-one time.

Student:  
I’ve heard people say that it is a gift given to individuals where they by the empowerment of the Spirit they can pray to God themselves in a heavenly language. 

Student:  
But the text does seem to say that it is the Spirit doing the praying. You would be adding “in the human being.”

Student:  
I think he said it very well, in the sense that where it could lead to.  This is a personal, that is one of the key things.  Prophecy edifies the church. Tongues can be very personal; then you’re looking at somebody who interprets. Here you’re in a personal situation. I would not dismiss the fact that you vacillate for whatever reason. It could be the magnitude of what you’re dealing with, and you’re groaning, or whatever else that you’re doing, in the magnitude of what you’re dealing with. I don’t think that you can just pin it down to one, this is all that is happening.  In a personal situation, some things are so intense that you’re dealing with, in a personal situation, I could not guarantee you where you go with that, with my groan.  

Student:  
Behind your groan, is the Spirit’s groan, is that what you’re saying? Let’s say you do express it with tongues, or you express it some other way, with groanings, you are saying that it is the Spirit behind that. 

Student:  
It says that the Spirit searches our spirit. 

Student:  
I would take it as an interpretive thing. I can’t express it so the Spirit is able to interpret it for me. 

Student:  
1 Corinthians 14, Paul says that if anyone who speaks in a tongue, he isn’t speaking to people but instead to God. They utter mysteries in the Spirit. Follow that text on down, Paul is distinguishing personal versus corporate. In the corporate body of Christ, there needs to be interpretation. 

Student:  
So, let me ask, it says, with groanings.  Is it with groanings that the Spirit is speaking, or is it in our groanings that the Spirit is doing something? 

Dr. Moo:  
I don’t think there is much doubt but that the Spirit is the one doing the groaning. I don’t think you can really debate that. “The Spirit Himself intercedes through wordless groans.” It would be very difficult to think of a shift of subject there – that the Spirit intercedes through our wordless groans, but that could still mean the Spirit groaning as we become instruments of the Spirit, being heard in a sense. It doesn’t rule that out. 

The key question here again is how we translate the Greek word used here that means ‘wordless,’ in the NIV. In the ESV it is translated as ‘too deep for words.’ It is a word that could mean thoughts that I keep to myself that I would never express in words. That is wordless, that’s something that never comes audible in any sense. Or it could be groans that don’t take the form of words like a lot of people would understand glossolalia, speaking in tongues; they are audible sounds but it doesn’t take the form of a natural human language. 

Student:  
If you are going to take that, then to us it is not words, but it is in some kind of heavenly language sense?

Dr. Moo:  
It is a picturesque way of Paul making a point; remember that he wants to use the word groan here. This is a key word: creation groans, we groan, and the Spirit groans. It is part of a word play and a word picture that Paul is creating to say, ‘when we don’t know what to say; when we don’t know how to verbalize a prayer need, the Spirit does. He is making that perfect request known to God.’ 

That is why Luther in his typical provocative way can say things like, ‘it is a very good thing when you don’t get what you pray for.’ Why? Because that shows God is over-looking our stupidity in the way we pray sometimes, not giving us what we ask for but giving us what the Spirit is praying for. Luther exaggerates a bit, but he makes a point, that Paul is also making here. 

Student:   
I am following you now, but it seems to me that the Spirit is ministering outside of us. It is kind of like the scripture that Christ is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. It is almost like the Spirit has that same ministry which isn’t through us but apart from us.

Dr. Moo:  
I am not sure I want to say apart from us. Granted Paul’s emphasis here is on the way the Spirit is indwelling us; the Spirit has been given to us, to rest within us. It is the Spirit in terms of His work within our hearts and lives that Paul is talking about here. I’m not sure I want to say apart from us.

Student:  
It just seems strange to me. It is almost as if the Spirit is using our physical capabilities to pray to God? Pray to the Father I suppose.

Dr. Moo:  
It is also possible that is what it means, yes. It is possible that Paul is simply saying when we don’t know what to pray for, when we are weak and uncertain about how to express our need to God. To some extent that is always true, isn’t it? We never have perfect understanding of God’s will. Often, we can pray for things that are foolish, that aren’t what God wants us to have.

There is a ministry of the Spirit that is going on, that we may not be conscious of at all, that is making the perfect request before God on our behalf. 

Student:  
That makes a lot of sense.

Dr. Moo:  
This is the function that the Spirit often has in Paul. He uses the language of “first fruits” in verse 23, a kind of a down payment idea. Paul uses a similar word in Ephesians 1 and in 2 Corinthians 5 where he talks about the Spirit as what God has given us now as the down payment for all the glory to come. The Spirit then acts in a sense as the bridge between our already and our not yet. Already God has done these things and now we’re in the position of having to wait for a lot yet to come. But to bridge that gap, is the ministry of the Spirit especially. That is what Paul is talking about here.