The Water of Life

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:13; John 7:37-39; John 4:10-14; Ezekiel 47:1-12; John 15:26; Revelation 22:1-2, 17

Intro: Welcome. We're exploring different facets of the Holy Spirit. While He's described in various ways (oil, wind, fire), today we focus on a powerful metaphor used throughout Scripture: Water. Paul says we were all "made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor 12:13). What does it mean to drink this living water?

Key Points:

1. Jesus Offers Living Water (John 7:37-39): During a festival, Jesus invited anyone thirsty to come to Him and drink. He promised that from believers' hearts would flow "rivers of living water," identifying this explicitly as the Holy Spirit, who would be given after Jesus was glorified. This isn't just intake; it flows out.
2. Satisfying Water (John 4:13-14): Jesus told the woman at the well that His water becomes an inner "spring of water welling up to eternal life," unlike earthly water that only temporarily quenches thirst. The Holy Spirit truly satisfies our deepest needs.
3. Life-Giving River (Ezekiel 47:1-12): Ezekiel saw a vision of water flowing from God's presence (the temple altar). This river grew progressively deeper (ankles, knees, waist, swimming) and brought abundant life, fruitfulness, and healing wherever it flowed, even making bitter waters fresh. This illustrates the Spirit's increasing influence and transformative power in and through us. (Warning: Avoid becoming stagnant "marshes").
4. The Spirit's Stream Testifies of Jesus (John 15:26): Like different radio channels have distinct content, the "Holy Spirit channel" constantly streams testimony about Jesus – His glory, work, and victory. Tuning into this stream counters negativity and keeps our focus on Christ (Rev 19:10).
5. The Open Invitation (Rev 22:1, 17): The Bible ends with the image of the "river of the water of life" flowing from God's throne. The enduring call from the Spirit and the Church ("the bride") is: "Come! ... Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price."

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit is God's freely offered living water, satisfying our thirst, bringing life and healing, flowing progressively deeper, and always testifying of Jesus. He invites us to continually drink from His presence and allow His life to flow through us.

Call to Action:

• Acknowledge your spiritual thirst; only the Spirit can truly satisfy.
• Respond to Jesus's invitation: Come to Him and "drink" of the Holy Spirit.
• Intentionally tune your heart to the Spirit's testimony about Jesus.
• Don't settle for ankle-deep; ask God to lead you deeper into the river of His Spirit.
• Heed the final invitation: Come, take the water of life freely today.

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The Water of Life (1 Corinthians 12:1-13)
with Tim Chambers