Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom. 8:23)
Yesterday after having blogged a message that included this verse, I discovered a scriptural parallel that fit well in meaning with the recently-posted youtube video entitled: LION OF JUDAH: Ezekiel and the Narrow Gate linked here.
Connecting Jesus’ Strait Gate to Apostle Paul’s Groans
In prefacing this paragraph, it is necessary to understand that Strong’s G4727 stenazo is the verb form of the adjective G4728 stenos which describes: A narrow place. And G4727 stenazo is the action: To be in a narrow place.
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus commands us to enter the “strait” gate using the Greek root word (stenos G4728) which means “narrow and tight“. He warns that the path is compressed and difficult and few there be that find it. In response to walking on this narrow path, Apostle Paul instructs that the faithful will definitely experience the squeeze of that compressed space and uses stenazo G4727 for the word “groan”. This does not point to just generic sadness. In the original Greek, it is the sighing and the literal feeling of being pressed by the difficult narrow road Jesus described in Matthew. When the squeeze of that path becomes too tight and leaves Believers speechless and groaning, Paul then promises that God’s Holy Spirit steps into that exact narrow space with the Believer and translates the silent pressure into perfect prayers before God.
Feeling the tight compression and trials of the Christian life is not proof that you have wandered off the path; not so, it is proof that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. If you are feeling the tight squeeze, be encouraged and keep pressing on: the pressure of the narrow road is only temporary but the glory waiting at the finish line is eternal life. And rest assured that you are never ever alone; the Lord and His Holy Spirit is with you every single step of the way! 🙏
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Rom. 8:23-26)
Enter ye in at the strait (narrow, tight, compressed) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Mat. 7:13-14)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels (the Holy Spirit) that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. (2 Cor. 7-9)
Keep the Faith! And God bless. Suzanne ♥ ✝ 🕊
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