Quenching Spiritual Thirst with Jesus' Living Water
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound truth that our spiritual thirst can only be quenched by the living water that Jesus offers. We began by acknowledging the struggles we face when we don't see God's promises manifesting in our lives. It's easy to become disheartened and question our faith, especially in the midst of life's storms. However, we are reminded that Jesus is always with us, even when the storm rages on. The enemy uses these storms to make us doubt God's presence and promises, but we must choose to stand firm in our faith.
We delved into the story of the disciples in the storm with Jesus, emphasizing that their lack of faith was not about the quantity but their failure to exercise it. Jesus' calmness in the storm serves as a model for us to trust God despite our circumstances. We also examined the parable of the houses built on different foundations, illustrating that storms come to everyone, but only those who build their lives on the rock of Christ will stand firm.
The sermon highlighted the importance of singing and confessing God's promises, even when we don't see them. This act of faith stirs our spirit and strengthens our belief. We must decide to stand firm regardless of our feelings or situations, trusting that God is working even when we can't see it.
We also discussed the dangers of spiritual dehydration, comparing it to physical thirst and hunger. Just as our bodies need water and food, our souls need the living water that only Jesus can provide. When we seek fulfillment in anything other than God, we are left with empty, temporary substitutes. We must come to Jesus and drink deeply from His well, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us and sustain us.
Finally, we were encouraged to reassess our lives, schedules, and relationships to ensure that we are seeking fulfillment in God alone. By doing so, we can live in the overflow of His presence, experiencing true peace, joy, and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stand Firm in Faith During Storms: Life's storms are inevitable, but they are not a sign of God's absence. Jesus is with us in every storm, and our faith must be exercised by trusting Him even when we can't see the outcome. Remember, the enemy uses storms to make us doubt, but we must choose to stand firm and believe in God's promises. [21:53]
2. Build Your Life on the Rock: The parable of the houses built on different foundations teaches us that storms come to everyone. However, only those who build their lives on the rock of Christ will stand firm. Our foundation in Jesus is what sustains us through life's challenges. [25:17]
3. Sing and Confess God's Promises: Singing and confessing God's promises, even when we don't see them, stirs our spirit and strengthens our faith. This act of faith is crucial in maintaining our belief and trust in God, helping us to press on despite our circumstances. [27:04]
4. Avoid Spiritual Dehydration: Just as our bodies need water, our souls need the living water that only Jesus can provide. Seeking fulfillment in anything other than God leaves us empty and unsatisfied. We must come to Jesus and drink deeply from His well to be truly fulfilled. [59:09]
5. Reassess Your Life for True Fulfillment: Evaluate your life, schedule, and relationships to ensure you are seeking fulfillment in God alone. Busy schedules and worldly pursuits can deplete us spiritually. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can live in the overflow of His presence, experiencing true peace, joy, and purpose. [01:20:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:02] - The Struggle to Sing in Faith
[21:53] - Standing Firm in the Storm
[22:37] - Remember Who's in the Boat
[23:06] - Exercising Faith
[23:46] - Choosing to Believe
[24:34] - The Parable of the Foundations
[25:17] - Building on the Rock
[26:03] - Lay It at His Feet
[27:04] - Singing and Confessing
[27:30] - Standing Firm Regardless
[28:00] - Keep Going in the Storm
[28:38] - God's Consistency
[29:43] - Believing in God's Plan
[30:30] - Fear No Evil
[31:24] - Victory is on the Way
[32:03] - Praising God Regardless
[32:52] - Prayer for God's Presence
[33:26] - Walking by Faith
[34:05] - Holy Communion
[36:25] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[38:20] - Proclaiming Jesus
[39:27] - Closing Prayer and Offering
[40:12] - Greeting and Announcements
[41:20] - Welcoming Visitors
[42:31] - Supporting Local Missions
[49:38] - Supporting Missionaries
[51:48] - Emptied to Overflow Series
[52:50] - You Are Not You When Thirsty
[54:12] - The Impact of Spiritual Thirst
[55:18] - The Necessity of Spiritual Water
[56:23] - Personal Story of Dehydration
[59:09] - The Danger of Spiritual Dehydration
[01:00:15] - The Thirst for God
[01:01:55] - Only God Can Satisfy
[01:03:02] - Avoiding Empty Counterfeits
[01:04:25] - The Thirst Trap
[01:06:45] - The Israelites' Thirst
[01:09:31] - The Enemy's Trap
[01:11:31] - Jesus' Invitation to Drink
[01:13:08] - The Holy Spirit's Filling
[01:14:16] - Evaluating Our Fulfillment
[01:17:14] - The Woman at the Well
[01:19:27] - Practical Steps to Fulfillment
[01:20:31] - Assessing Our Lives
[01:24:48] - Drinking from the Right Source
[01:26:44] - Seeking True Fulfillment
[01:27:49] - Closing Prayer
[01:29:33] - Offering and Gratitude
[01:32:24] - Giving Out of Gratitude
[01:36:59] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:38:20] - Recommitting to Jesus
[01:39:53] - Prayer and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
2. John 7:37-38 (ESV): "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"
3. Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 42:1-2 reveal about David's spiritual condition and his desire for God?
2. In John 7:37-38, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him and believe in Him?
3. According to Matthew 7:24-25, what is the outcome for those who build their lives on the teachings of Jesus?
4. How did the disciples react during the storm with Jesus, and what was Jesus' response to their lack of faith? ([23:06])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have a soul that "pants" for God as described in Psalm 42:1-2? How can this be applied to our daily spiritual lives?
2. How does Jesus' invitation in John 7:37-38 to come and drink relate to the concept of spiritual fulfillment? What does it mean for rivers of living water to flow from within a believer?
3. In the parable of the houses built on different foundations (Matthew 7:24-25), what does the rock represent, and why is it crucial for enduring life's storms?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, why is it important to sing and confess God's promises even when we don't see them manifesting? ([27:04])
### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent storm in your life. How did you respond to it? Did you stand firm in your faith, or did you struggle with doubt? What can you do differently next time? ([21:53])
2. Evaluate your current spiritual foundation. Are you building your life on the rock of Christ, or are there areas where you rely on unstable foundations? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in Jesus? ([25:17])
3. Singing and confessing God's promises can stir our spirit and strengthen our faith. What specific promises of God can you start confessing daily to build your faith? ([27:04])
4. Reflect on your spiritual hydration. Are you seeking fulfillment in things other than God? Identify one area where you have been seeking temporary substitutes and plan how you will turn to Jesus for true fulfillment this week. ([59:09])
5. Assess your life, schedule, and relationships. Are they aligned with seeking fulfillment in God alone? What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with God and live in the overflow of His presence? ([01:20:31])
6. How can you practically come to Jesus and drink from His well daily? What specific actions will you take to ensure you are spiritually hydrated and not falling for empty substitutes? ([01:13:08])
7. Think of a time when you felt spiritually dehydrated. What were the consequences, and how did it affect your behavior and decisions? How can you prevent this from happening again? ([01:04:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Standing Firm in Faith During Storms
When life's storms hit, it's easy to feel abandoned and question God's presence. However, these trials are not indicators of God's absence but opportunities to exercise our faith. The enemy often uses these moments to sow seeds of doubt, making us question God's promises and His presence in our lives. Yet, we are reminded that Jesus is always with us, even in the fiercest storms. Our faith is not about its quantity but about our willingness to trust God despite our circumstances. Jesus' calmness during the storm with His disciples serves as a powerful example for us to emulate. We must choose to stand firm, believing that God is working even when we can't see it. [21:53]
Mark 4:39-40 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'"
Reflection: Think of a current storm in your life. How can you actively choose to trust God and stand firm in your faith despite the uncertainty?
Day 2: Build Your Life on the Rock
The parable of the houses built on different foundations teaches us that storms come to everyone, regardless of their faith. However, only those who build their lives on the rock of Christ will stand firm. This foundation in Jesus is what sustains us through life's challenges. When we build our lives on temporary or worldly foundations, we are easily shaken and can crumble under pressure. But when our lives are rooted in Christ, we have a solid foundation that can withstand any storm. This calls for a deliberate and conscious effort to align our lives with Jesus' teachings and to trust Him as our cornerstone. [25:17]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: Evaluate the foundation of your life. Are there areas where you have built on sand instead of the rock of Christ? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in Jesus today?
Day 3: Sing and Confess God's Promises
Singing and confessing God's promises, even when we don't see them, is a powerful act of faith. This practice stirs our spirit and strengthens our belief, helping us to maintain our trust in God despite our circumstances. When we declare God's promises, we remind ourselves of His faithfulness and His power to fulfill His word. This act of faith is crucial in maintaining our belief and trust in God, especially when we face challenges. It is a way to combat doubt and fear, reinforcing our confidence in God's plan and His timing. [27:04]
Psalm 59:16 (ESV): "But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress."
Reflection: Identify a promise from God's Word that you need to hold onto today. How can you incorporate singing or confessing this promise into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?
Day 4: Avoid Spiritual Dehydration
Just as our bodies need water, our souls need the living water that only Jesus can provide. Seeking fulfillment in anything other than God leaves us empty and unsatisfied. Spiritual dehydration occurs when we neglect our relationship with God and seek satisfaction in temporary, worldly things. This leaves us spiritually dry and vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. We must come to Jesus and drink deeply from His well, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us and sustain us. This involves prioritizing our spiritual health, spending time in God's presence, and seeking His guidance and strength daily. [59:09]
John 4:13-14 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are there areas where you feel spiritually dehydrated? What steps can you take to drink deeply from Jesus' living water today?
Day 5: Reassess Your Life for True Fulfillment
Evaluate your life, schedule, and relationships to ensure you are seeking fulfillment in God alone. Busy schedules and worldly pursuits can deplete us spiritually, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can live in the overflow of His presence, experiencing true peace, joy, and purpose. This requires a conscious effort to reassess our priorities and make necessary adjustments to align our lives with God's will. It involves seeking His guidance in our daily decisions and ensuring that our pursuits are in line with His purpose for our lives. [01:20:31]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Take a moment to evaluate your current schedule and relationships. Are there areas where you need to make adjustments to prioritize your relationship with God? What practical steps can you take to seek true fulfillment in Him alone?
Quotes
1. "In the middle of it You have to keep walking You have to keep going You have to keep believing the enemy's job Is to get you In the middle of it To where you can't see it And then to get you to turn around And go back There is nothing back there There is nothing back there There is nothing there for you Yes, it's difficult in a storm But like Adriana said last week Remember who's in the boat with you Remember who's in the boat with you It's not about the storm enemy is using the storm To make you forget" [21:53] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "No matter what's happening No matter how I'm feeling No matter what the storm is No matter how I'm feeling No matter how big it is No matter what's going on I choose to believe I choose to believe I choose to stand firm Even though I can't understand what's happening I choose to stand firm Even though this storm makes no sense I choose to stand firm Even though I feel like this shouldn't be happening to me I still choose to stand firm" [24:34] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You came in today And life is lifing Storms are storming And it's hard And it's difficult And I need you to understand That this is your opportunity This is not where you come in And complain to God About all the things that are happening He was there He knows what's happening Here is where you come in And you begin to what? Lay it at his feet Why do we sing the songs? Why do we sing the songs? Why do we repeat the hook? Why do we repeat the bridge?" [26:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You thought you came here And the only way that you could sing it Was if you saw it But that is not the case A lot of us here Is still singing Until we see it But we made a decision To stand firm Regardless of the situation Regardless of what's happening Regardless of how we feel Regardless of what the doctor said Regardless of what my bank account said Regardless of what my job said Regardless of what my situation is I make a decision To stand firm That is why we lift our hands That is why we sing" [27:04] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We believe that God wants to do something We believe that God has something in store for his people We believe that he wants to minister to the hearts of his people We believe that he wants to provide answers to his people We believe that he wants to provide healing for his people is why we are here None of us have achieved perfection All of us here are walking through it Some of us are at the beginning of the storm Some of us are in the middle of the storm Some of us have walked out on the way to walk back into another one But it doesn't matter" [29:43] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When we seek to be filled When we seek to get satisfaction Apart from God The only thing that we will be left with Is a temporary empty counterfeit The only thing that we will be left with Is a temporary empty counterfeit Is a temporary empty counterfeit You can chase money if you want to You can chase success You can chase fame And chase notoriety I would challenge you to look at those Who have come before you And see how they doing How many more overdoses Do we have to learn about on the news For somebody trying to chase peace" [01:02:26] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When you don't have the things When you are not spiritually nourished When you are thirsty When you think of the presence of God The feeling of God It makes you start talking crazy It makes you start thinking crazy It makes you start believing crazy And speaking crazy Speaking things that do not line up With the will of God for your life Believing things that are obviously not the truth All because You're not you when you're thirsty This is the thirst trap This is the trap Do not fall for the thirst trap" [01:08:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Come to me Is a direct invitation from Jesus To all who are thirsty Those who are spiritually depleted To come to him To draw near to him To turn to Jesus Come to me Acknowledge where you are Stop trying to get filled up On these things That will never fill you Stop running to things That will never satisfy you Come to me Second instruction was drink This is an action word That implies taking and receiving What God has And getting inside of you What he has made available for you" [01:13:08] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The thirst that we experience in life is not just physical it is deeply spiritual just as our bodies cry out for water our soul longs for the living water that only christ can provide when we find ourselves spiritually thirsty we must remember the invitation from jesus is always open come to me and drink this isn't a suggestion this is a lifeline for our weary souls are you feeling drained are you allowing the distraction of this world to to pull you away from the true source of satisfaction? Are you caught up in the cares and the worries of this world?" [01:25:26] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you live, or work in a secular organization, or pay any attention to those outside of the body, you can look in the eyes of this world and you can see that they are drained, that they are dry, that they are empty, and that they are looking for some sense of filling. And as believers, because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we have access to the water. And that is why I'm grateful. And out of that, that gratitude is why I give. It's why I tithe. It's why I give offering. It's why I give to missions. It's because I am grateful." [01:29:33] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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