Enjoying Spirit firstfruits

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And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

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. (Rom. 8:23, 26–27)

Christians have the best gift as we await the return of Jesus and the resurrection of our bodies: the firstfruits of the Spirit. “Firstfruits” literally refers to the initial portion of a harvest, which points to a greater harvest ahead. 

Christians enjoy the firstfruits of the Spirit now (for example, the fruit of the Spirit listed in Gal. 5:22–23), as we await a greater harvest, or greater benefit of the Spirit: our adoption and redemption of our bodies. 

While Paul says in verse 15 that we already are adopted, our current adopted status is also a kind of firstfruits. We are indeed sons and daughters of God. We are spiritually in his family forever. 

But we look forward to all the benefits and glory of our adoption when our bodies are resurrected, and we enjoy eternal life with Christ in the new creation.

The Holy Spirit lives in us and helps us endure as we wait. We were saved not only from hell and condemnation but also to eternal life and the resurrection of our bodies—which is a coming reality!

Of course we can’t see heaven now. We hope for what we cannot see. As the author of Hebrews puts it, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). The Spirit confirms our hopes and helps us wait with patience.

What a gift to have this present help in our weakness from the Spirit of God. We aren’t abandoned but sweetly ministered to. Not only does the Spirit comfort us and help us endure, but he also prays for us when we don’t know what to pray for. 

Even in our shortcomings, he intercedes for us, groaning to the Father on our behalf. God knows both our hearts and the Spirit's mind because the Father and the Spirit are one. So, then, the Spirit intercedes for us based only on God’s will for us. As the Spirit helps the saints, the Father carries out his will for the saints.

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