Flowing Rivers: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Renewal
Summary
Today, we reflected on the deep and transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, drawing from Jesus’ words in John 7:37-38: “If anyone thirsts, let him come unto me and drink… out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Just as water is essential for life and must remain fresh and flowing to avoid stagnation, so too must the Spirit of God be active and moving within us. We considered the difference between simply experiencing God’s presence in a corporate setting and allowing His Spirit to flow from deep within our hearts, bringing lasting change and renewal.
Looking back at the Feast of Tabernacles, we saw how Israel celebrated God’s provision in the wilderness, but also how easy it is to settle for a temporary quenching of spiritual thirst. Jesus stood up at the end of the feast, not during the height of celebration, but as things were winding down, to declare Himself as the true source of living water. He called people beyond routine and tradition, inviting them to a life where the Spirit flows abundantly from within, not just upon them.
We explored how spiritual stagnation can creep in when we become comfortable, relying on past experiences or the energy of others, rather than maintaining a personal, ongoing flow of the Spirit. Just as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for decay, a stagnant spiritual life can lead to danger and loss of vitality. The Holy Spirit is meant to be a river—powerful, cleansing, and overflowing—pushing out what doesn’t belong and bringing new life.
Through personal stories and illustrations, we saw how opening the floodgates of our hearts to the Spirit leads to real transformation. The Spirit not only changes us but also causes us to sow seeds in the lives of others, sometimes taking years to bear fruit. Like the Cahaba lily that only blooms in moving water, our lives flourish when we remain in the flow of God’s Spirit, consistently surrendering and allowing Him to work through us. The invitation remains: open your heart, let the Spirit flow, and trust that God’s promise is not just for a moment, but for a lifetime and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation: Just as water left to sit becomes stale and dangerous, a spiritual life without the ongoing flow of the Holy Spirit becomes stagnant. Stagnation breeds spiritual decay, making us vulnerable to doubt, fear, and complacency. We must be intentional about keeping the Spirit’s flow active in our lives, refusing to settle for yesterday’s experiences or the comfort of routine. [50:09]
- Jesus as the Source of Living Water: Jesus waited until the end of the feast, when the ceremonies and excitement had faded, to declare Himself as the true source of living water. He calls us beyond religious routine and emotional highs, inviting us to a relationship where His Spirit flows from within, bringing continual renewal and satisfaction that no outward ritual can provide. [01:02:37]
- The Overflowing Work of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is not meant to be a trickle or a mere feeling, but a river—an abundant, overflowing presence that transforms us from the inside out. When we surrender fully, the Spirit pushes out old habits, brings healing, and empowers us to live differently. This overflow is not just for our benefit, but so that we can impact others and spread the seeds of God’s love. [01:12:17]
- Consistency and Surrender in the Flow: Spiritual vitality is not maintained by a one-time experience, but by a consistent, daily surrender to the Spirit’s leading. Like the Cahaba lily that only thrives in moving water, we must remain in the current of God’s Spirit, allowing Him to direct and sustain us. True growth and fruitfulness come from staying in the flow, not from isolated moments of inspiration. [01:24:57]
- Sowing Seeds Through a Spirit-Filled Life: As the Spirit flows through us, we naturally sow seeds in the lives of others—sometimes seeing immediate results, other times waiting years for fruit to appear. Our testimony, prayers, and acts of love are carried by the current of the Spirit, finding their place and time to take root. Trust that God is using your life, even when you don’t see the results right away, and keep the floodgates open for His ongoing work. [01:29:29]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[48:25] - Introduction and Gratitude
[49:12] - Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone
[50:09] - The Illustration of Stagnant Water
[53:08] - The Feast of Tabernacles Explained
[55:21] - Recognizing Jesus in Our Midst
[57:06] - Reflecting on God’s Provision
[58:30] - The Ritual of Pouring Water
[59:35] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[01:00:58] - The Eighth Day: Longing for More
[01:02:37] - Jesus’ Invitation to Living Water
[01:04:29] - The Holy Spirit: In Us, Not Just On Us
[01:06:48] - The Spirit’s Overflow and Its Impact
[01:12:17] - Breaking Spiritual Dams
[01:24:57] - The Cahaba Lily: Thriving in the Flow
[01:29:29] - Sowing Seeds in the Spirit
[01:30:27] - The Promise and the Call to Respond
[01:32:28] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Out of Your Heart"
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### Bible Reading
- John 7:37-38
“On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to John 7:37-38, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him and believe?
2. In the sermon, what was the significance of Jesus waiting until the end of the Feast of Tabernacles to make His declaration? [[01:02:37]]
3. What illustration did the preacher use to describe what happens to water that is left sitting still, and how does this relate to our spiritual lives? [[50:09]]
4. What is the difference between the Cahaba lily and the Spada lily, and why was this important in the message? [[01:24:57]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose the image of “living water” to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life? How does this image help us understand the Spirit’s role? [[01:04:29]]
2. The sermon talked about the danger of spiritual stagnation. What are some signs that someone’s spiritual life might be becoming stagnant? [[50:09]]
3. The preacher said that it’s easy to experience God’s presence in a group setting, but harder to keep the flow going when you’re alone. Why might this be the case? [[01:00:58]]
4. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to “flow from within” rather than just “move upon” someone? How does this change a person’s life? [[01:06:48]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon described how spiritual stagnation can creep in when we rely on past experiences or the energy of others. Are there areas in your life where you’ve become comfortable or stagnant spiritually? What is one step you could take this week to “open the floodgates” again? [[50:09]]
2. Jesus waited until the excitement of the feast was over to invite people to come to Him for living water. Are there routines or traditions in your life that have become empty? How can you move beyond routine to real relationship with Jesus? [[01:02:37]]
3. The preacher shared stories of people whose lives were changed when they allowed the Spirit to flow through them. Can you think of a time when you experienced real change because of God’s Spirit? What helped you open your heart in that season? [[01:15:59]]
4. The Cahaba lily only blooms in moving water. What does it look like for you to “stay in the flow” of God’s Spirit in your daily life? Are there habits or choices that help you stay in the current, or things that tend to pull you out? [[01:24:57]]
5. The message talked about sowing seeds in the lives of others, sometimes waiting years to see fruit. Is there someone you’ve been praying for or investing in spiritually? How can you keep trusting God to use your life, even if you don’t see results right away? [[01:29:29]]
6. The preacher said, “When God gives a person his spirit, the only thing that can stop the flow is that person.” Are there “spiritual dams” in your life—like unforgiveness, fear, or disobedience—that might be blocking the Spirit’s flow? What would it look like to let God break those dams? [[01:12:17]]
7. The invitation at the end was to open your heart and let the Spirit flow. What is one practical way you can surrender more fully to the Holy Spirit this week—whether in prayer, worship, or obedience? [[01:30:27]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Guarding Against the Quiet Poison of Spiritual Stagnation
A vibrant spiritual life requires continual renewal and movement, much like fresh water that must flow to sustain life. When the Spirit’s presence becomes routine or dependent on past experiences, the heart risks becoming stagnant, breeding doubt, fear, and complacency. This spiritual stagnation is dangerous because it dulls sensitivity to God’s leading and opens the door to decay in faith and vitality. It calls for intentional effort to keep the Spirit’s flow active, refusing to settle for yesterday’s encounters or the comfort of familiar patterns.
Recognizing the signs of stagnation is the first step toward revival. Just as water left standing becomes a breeding ground for harmful things, a stagnant spiritual life can lead to vulnerability and loss of purpose. The Spirit’s work is dynamic and ongoing, inviting believers to daily renewal and fresh encounters that push beyond comfort zones and routine faith practices. [50:09]
“Blessed is the one who is steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV)
Reflection: What specific habits or routines in your spiritual life might be causing stagnation, and what is one intentional step you can take today to invite fresh movement of the Spirit?
Day 2: Jesus’ Invitation Beyond Ritual to Living Water Within
Jesus’ declaration as the source of living water came not at the height of celebration but as the feast was ending, signaling a call beyond external ceremonies and emotional highs. He invites each person into a relationship where the Spirit flows from deep within, offering continual renewal and satisfaction that no outward ritual can provide. This living water is not a temporary fix but a sustaining presence that refreshes the soul and transforms the heart.
The invitation challenges believers to move past religious routine and seek a personal, ongoing experience of God’s Spirit. It is a call to thirst deeply and drink fully from Jesus, who alone satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. This relationship is marked by intimacy and continual replenishment, not by fleeting moments or public displays. [01:02:37]
“And I will give to the one who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life without payment.” (Revelation 21:6 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you relied on religious routine or external experiences for spiritual satisfaction, and how can you open your heart today to receive the living water Jesus offers?
Day 3: Embracing the Spirit’s Overflowing Power to Transform
The Holy Spirit is meant to be a river—an abundant, overflowing presence that does more than just fill; it cleanses, empowers, and transforms from the inside out. When fully surrendered, the Spirit pushes out old habits, brings healing, and enables a new way of living that reflects God’s love and power. This overflow is not only for personal renewal but also equips believers to impact others and spread seeds of faith and hope.
This transformation is dynamic and ongoing, breaking spiritual dams that hold back growth and renewal. The Spirit’s work is powerful and cleansing, calling for openness and surrender so that the river can flow freely, bringing life and restoration to every area of the believer’s heart and community. [01:12:17]
“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” (1 John 4:13 ESV)
Reflection: What “dams” or barriers in your life might be blocking the Spirit’s full flow, and what is one practical way you can surrender to allow His overflowing work today?
Day 4: Thriving Through Daily Surrender in the Spirit’s Current
Spiritual vitality is sustained not by isolated experiences but by consistent, daily surrender to the Spirit’s leading. Like the Cahaba lily that blooms only in moving water, believers flourish when they remain in the current of God’s Spirit, allowing Him to direct and sustain their growth. This requires intentionality and humility to yield moment by moment, trusting the Spirit’s guidance even when it is unseen or uncomfortable.
True growth and fruitfulness come from this ongoing flow, not from occasional inspiration or emotional highs. It is a lifestyle of openness and dependence, where the believer’s heart is continually aligned with God’s purposes and empowered to live out His love in practical ways. [01:24:57]
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
Reflection: What daily practice or habit can you adopt to help you remain consistently surrendered to the Spirit’s flow, and how will you remind yourself to stay connected throughout your day?
Day 5: Trusting God’s Timing as You Sow Spirit-Filled Seeds
A Spirit-filled life naturally leads to sowing seeds in the lives of others through testimony, prayer, and acts of love. Sometimes the fruit of these seeds is immediate, but often it takes years for God’s work to become visible. Trusting God’s timing is essential, as the Spirit carries these seeds to the right places and moments to take root and grow.
This perspective encourages patience and faithfulness, knowing that even unseen efforts are part of God’s ongoing work. Keeping the floodgates open to the Spirit means continuing to love, serve, and pray without discouragement, confident that God is using your life for His kingdom in ways beyond what you can see. [01:29:29]
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life might be receiving seeds of faith from you right now, and how can you faithfully continue to sow in love and prayer, trusting God for the unseen growth?
Quotes
On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come unto me and drink. He who believe in me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart would flow rivers of living water. But this he spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in him would receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. You can be seated. [00:52:28] (40 seconds)
Some of you in this room are watching online this morning. They may be looking for that promise that seems so far off that just can't be quenched. But Israel's promise was in the midst. Jesus was in the midst. They didn't recognize Him. Sometimes we don't recognize a promise. Sometimes we don't recognize Jesus in the midst. And I guess, but guess what? Jesus is here. Amen. Jesus is here this morning. Come on, somebody. God is in the midst. [00:55:56] (44 seconds)
It was a time of the feast to reflect on everything God has done. Sometimes we need to reflect on where God has brought us from. And what he is leading us to. He has never let us down. No matter whether your circumstances tell you, he has a plan to make sure you make it to a promised land. There is a promised land. We say it's not a promised land. There is a promised land. On the eighth day, there was no pouring out of the water. The tent was put away. The water stopped. The festivities was coming to a close. The eighth day was a day of prayer and meditation, remembering the promise that was fulfilled like entering into the promised land. Well, the spring water is plentiful. [00:58:49] (70 seconds)
God will always show up and move upon people, but Jesus knows when to show up. Jesus screamed out. He screamed out. When you believe. When you believe. In me, out of your innermost will flow rivers of living water. Not on you, not on you, but from your heart. From deep within, he did cry out at the beginning. Listen, he did cry out at the beginning of the feast or the memory of the feast. But when the feast was over, amen, was about, oh, but when the feast was about over and the people would return it back to everyday lifestyle, the routine on the eighth day, Jesus cried out. He said, hey, I'm the promise. Hey, I'm the water. You are looking for it. Hey, if you give me a chance, you will overcome. [01:02:56] (77 seconds)
Jesus was saying, your thirst may seem to be quenched for a moment, but when you put your faith in me, when you put your faith in me, like the scriptures say, out of your heart is going to flow rivers. Not one, but meaning, meaning, meaning, meaning the Holy Ghost is going to correct some things, going to destroy some things, going to renew some things, going to get rid of some stagnant water, get rid of some dead debris, going to cause growth by a current of the Holy Ghost. [01:04:29] (53 seconds)
That tongues is not the same tongues you're reading in Corinthians. Instead, I will give you a gift of tongues. But this is God pouring His Spirit, the living water upon your heart, and something is going to change. Why do the one, hey, people give me all different reasons they wrote about speaking in tongues. And this wasn't even on my notes. But the last thing a person will ever give up, no matter what it is, the last thing a person will give up is their ability to talk. And when you give that up to God, the flow of the living water is starting to flow. And you're going to be talking in a heavenly, heavenly language. There is no doubt that there is rivers flowing out of you. [01:06:12] (58 seconds)
Jesus was ready to meet everyone's needs at that time. Not just the Jews, but everyone. Not just a certain race. Not by their needs. Not by wealth. But everyone. Jews, Gentiles. We serve the same God today. They stood upon and cried out with compassion. He gets us. He understands us. What we're facing every day. Every day life. He understands the struggles. He understands the pain. He understands the depression. He understands the fear. He understands the loneliness. He gets us. [01:08:24] (60 seconds)
We're going to tear some stuff up. We're going to start the flow, but you are responsible for opening the floodgates. I'm giving you my spirit, and you have to keep it flowing. When God gives a person his spirit, the only thing that can stop the flow is that person. It's that person. By building spiritual dams, large dams, brother Brock Rivers, that are out of their banks, can cause some damage. Water can tear some stuff up. I've seen it. [01:10:59] (58 seconds)
What Jesus' desire is what should be the case is in your life of every believer. It should be an abundant overflow flow of the Holy Spirit of God in your life. When that happens, then the rivers of life are flowing within you and causing a change to pushing some stuff out of us. We can't depend just on a on a outward spiritual movement. But it has to be in us. I have seen people I have seen people receive the Holy Ghost and their life change like that. [01:14:01] (57 seconds)
This doesn't require you to do more or be more. It requires you to surrender more. I mean, to more surrender to the Holy Spirit and more allowing Him to work in your life, being steady, steady flowing, steady flowing. We can't depend on a one -time and feeling of the Holy Ghost, but it has to be consistent in your life. I'm starting to close. I'm starting to close. Sister Heather, I'm going to put a picture up. Anybody recognize these things? These beautiful, beautiful lilies. Beautiful lilies. [01:23:29] (50 seconds)
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