Sermon for September 11, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 7:17

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Sermon for This Week is: John 7:17 – 39- covering the following:

Part 1: The Proof Is In The Pudding

Part 2: The Promise Of The Spirit

Part 1: The Proof Is In The Pudding - John 7:17 - If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

INTRODUCTION

1. The evidence for Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, is manifold...

a. The testimony of John the Baptist - John 5:33 - Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. - John 1:29 - The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. - John 1:34 - And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

b. The works (miracles) that Jesus did - John 5:36 - But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. - John 2:11 - This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. - John 20:30-31 - And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

c. The testimony of God Himself - John 5:37 - And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. - Matthew 3:16-17 - And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. - Matthew 17:5 - While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

d. The testimony of the OT scriptures - John 5:39 - Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. - Isaiah 9:6-7 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

e. His resurrection from the dead, attested to by eyewitnesses - Romans 1:4 - And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: - e.g.- John 20:24-29 - But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

2. Jesus offered another proof that He is from God...

a. It came at a time when many questioned who He was - John 7:12-15 - And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews. Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

b. If you are willing to do God’s will, you will know His doctrine is from God - John 7:16-17 - Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

3. Jesus’ claim is akin to well-known proverb...

a. “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”

b. As stated more often, “The proof is in the pudding”

[This is a remarkable claim by Jesus, certainly worthy of closer examination...]

I. FACETS OF JESUS’ CLAIM

A. ONE MUST BE WILLING TO DO THE FATHER’S WILL...

1. There must first be a willing heart

a. A good and noble heart - cf. Luke 8:15 - But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

b. A heart willing to hear and examine carefully - cf. Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

c. A humble heart, one that fears God - cf. Psalms 25:9 - The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. - Psalms 25:12 - What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

2. There must then be obedience from the heart

a. Such as found in the Christians at Rome - Romans 6:17 - But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

b. The kind of obedience that must be in all aspects of our service - Ephesians 6:6 - Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; - Colossians 3:23 - And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

-- “Those who would test the divinity of the doctrine of Christ can not do so by rendering a mere mechanical obedience to his teaching. A willing, heartfelt obedience is essential to a true knowledge of his doctrine. Such a disposition makes a good and honest heart in which the seeds of his kingdom must inevitably grow.” - J. W. McGarvey

B. ONE WILL KNOW HIS DOCTRINE IS OF GOD...

1. They will know that Jesus’ teaching comes from above - cf. John 12:49 - For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

2. They will know that His teaching is everlasting life - cf. John 12:50 - And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

-- “He shall have evidence, in the very attempt to do the will of God, of the truth of the doctrine.” - Barnes

[What kind of evidence does one receive? The answer may be put in the words of Isaiah, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17) - Consider therefore the...]

II. EVIDENCE OF JESUS’ CLAIM

A. PEACE THAT SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING...

1. Jesus offered such peace to His disciples - John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

2. As we do the Father’s will as taught by Jesus, we experience such peace:

a. As the result of our justification in Christ - Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

b. As the prayer for faithful Christians - Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16 - Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

c. As the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of Christians - Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

d. As the response to prayer - Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

-- Such peace, when experienced, confirms Jesus’ doctrine as being from God

B. ASSURANCE THAT CALMS THE HEART...

1. Jesus offered assurance to His disciples - John 14:27b - Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

2. As we do the Father’s will as taught by Jesus, we experience such assurance:

a. As when we love the brethren in deed and truth - cf. 1 John 3:18-19 - My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him

b. As expressed by Paul - cf. 2 Timothy 1:12 - For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. -also- Romans 8:38-39 - For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-- Such assurance, when experienced, confirms Jesus’ doctrine as being from God

[B. W. Johnson expressed it this way: “He who in his heart says, “Thy will be done, give me light and I will walk in it,” will find that Christ is just the teacher demanded by his soul, and that the gospel meets his soul’s want. Jesus will so meet the wants of his soul that he will be satisfied and will know the doctrine, that it comes from him who made the soul.” (People’s New Testament) Yet, we should note...]

III. CAUTION REGARDING JESUS’ CLAIM

A. WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE OR ASSURANCE...

1. It is not evidence that Jesus’ doctrine is not from God

a. We may have not done the Father’s will yet

b. We may have not done the Father’s will from the heart

2. It may not be evidence that we failed to truly do the Father’s will at one time

a. Our faith may yet be weak, needing to grow

b. Our faith may have become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin - Hebrews 3:12-14 - Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

B. WHERE THERE IS PEACE AND ASSURANCE...

1. We should not trust in that evidence alone

a. Many believed they are saved because of their feelings

b. They might construe such as the ultimate proof of salvation

2. The heart can easily be deceived

a. There are ways that seem right, but may lead to death - Proverbs 16:25 - There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

b. It is not in man to direct his footsteps - Jeremiah 10:23 - O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

3. We must always be open to the Word of God

a. Let the Word of God produce the feelings (faith, then feelings)

b. Don’t let one’s feelings reject the Word of God (not feelings, then faith)

CONCLUSION

1. The proof that is in the pudding is somewhat subjective, but it is proof...

a. Proof that can further confirm a faith based upon more objective evidence

b. Proof that if lacking should be a sign our faith needs work (i.e., diligence)

2. It is a diligent faith willing to do the will of God that produces a full assurance...

“And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:” (Hebrews 6:11)

Are you willing to do the Father’s will from the heart? The blessings of peace, assurance, and confirmation that Jesus’ doctrine is truly from God, awaits those who obey His will...!

Part 2: The Promise Of The Spirit - John 7:37-39 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

INTRODUCTION

1. During the Feast Of Tabernacles, there was a daily ceremony involving water...

a. Each day, the priests and the people would joyfully make their way to the pool of Siloam

b. Using a golden pitcher, water was drawn, taken back to the temple, and poured on the altar of burnt offering

c. The words of Isaiah 12:3 were then sung: “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”

2. On such an occasion Jesus used the opportunity to extend a wonderful promise...

a. Inviting those who thirst to come to Him and drink - John 7:37 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

b. Those who believe in Him will have “rivers of living water” flow from their hearts - John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

3. The apostle John explains that this promise concerns the Holy Spirit... - John 7:39 - (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

a. Whom those who believe would receive

b. Who had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified

[What else might we glean from the Scriptures concerning this promise of the Spirit? Let’s first take a closer look at...]

I. THE NATURE OF THE PROMISE

A. FROM THE TEXT...

1. A promise foretold by the Scriptures - John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. - Isaiah 44:3 - For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: - Isaiah 58:11 - And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

a. “The reference is not to any single passage, but to the spirit of the Scripture, notably such passages as Isa 55:1; 58:11; Psa 36:8-9.” - B. W. Johnson

b. “...referring not to any particular passage, but to such as Isa 58:11; Joel 3:18; Zec 14:8; Ezek 47:1-12; in most of which the idea is that of waters issuing from beneath the temple, to which our Lord compares Himself and those who believe in Him.”

- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

2. A promise that makes one a blessing to others - John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

a. “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”

b. “When a man turns himself to the Lord, he shall be as a fountain filled with living water, and his streams shall flow to all the nations and tribes of men” - Kuinoel

c. “...those who are Christians shall diffuse large, and liberal, and constant blessings on their fellowmen” - Barnes

3. A promise offered to believers - John 7:39 - (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

a. Not to those who have yet to believe

b. Which is why I do not believe it refers to the ministry of the Spirit through the Word alone, for such occurs even on those who do not believe - e.g., John 16:8 - And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

c. Note this observation by Robert Milligan:

1) “He manifestly refers in this passage to something which had hitherto been enjoyed by no one, and which could be enjoyed by none until after that he himself was glorified.” - Robert Milligan, Scheme of Redemption, p.283

2) “This, it would seem, could not have reference to the mediate agency of the Spirit, through the written word and the ordinary workings of God's providence; for through these media the Spirit had always operated on the minds of both Jews and Patriarchs.” - ibid.

3) “Christ is speaking here of what is peculiar to his own personal reign and administration.” -ibid.

4. A promise extended to all believers - John 7:39 - (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

a. Not just to select disciples with special tasks, such as apostles and prophets

b. Which is why I do not believe it refers to miraculous manifestations of the Spirit, such as the gifts of the Spirit, for not all Christians had such; note also:

1) This promise of the Spirit had not yet been given

2) Yet miraculous manifestations of the Spirit had been experienced prior to the glorification of Jesus - e.g., Luke 1:41 - And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: - Luke 1:67 - And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

5. A promise given after Jesus was “glorified” - John 7:39 - (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

a. I.e., after His resurrection and ascension to heaven

b. “The first and second chapters of the Book of Acts is the best comment upon this passage.

When Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father and was glorified, he sent forth the Spirit upon his apostles on the day of Pentecost, and the apostles in turn promised the gift of the Spirit to all who would believe, repent, and be baptized.” - J. W. McGarvey (Fourfold Gospel)

B. FROM OTHER TEXTS...

1. We conclude that it refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit

a. Promised to all who repent and are baptized - cf. Acts 2:38-39 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

b. Given to all who obey - cf. Acts 5:32 - And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

c. Imbibed by all who are baptized - cf. 1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

d. Sent into our hearts because we are God’s children - cf. Galatians 4:6 - And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

2. We conclude that it refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit

a. Who indwells all that belong to Christ - cf. Romans 8:9-10 - But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

b. Making their bodies a temple of the Spirit - cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19 - What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

[That this promise refers to the gift or indwelling of the Spirit given to all Christians becomes more apparent as we now focus our attention on...]

II. THE BLESSINGS OF THE PROMISE

A. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT...

1. Remember what Jesus said of those who receive the Spirit - John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

a. “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”

b. I.e., they will become a blessing to others; note again:

1) “When a man turns himself to the Lord, he shall be as a fountain filled with living water, and his streams shall flow to all the nations and tribes of men” - Kuinoel

2) “...those who are Christians shall diffuse large, and liberal, and constant blessings on their fellowmen” - Barnes

2. Especially when they bear the fruit of the Spirit in their lives- Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, kind acts, well-doing, faith, Gentle behaviour, control over desires: against such there is no law.

a. Such as love, joy, peace

b. Such as longsuffering, kindness, goodness

c. Such as gentleness, faithfulness, self-control

-- Bearing such fruit of the Spirit, they bless the lives of others!

B. THE AID OF THE SPIRIT...

1. The fruit of the Spirit becomes possible with the aid of the Spirit

a. Who helps us to put to death the deeds of the body - Romans 8:12-13 - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. - Colossians 3:5-8 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

b. Who enables us to be filled with joy and peace, abounding in hope - Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

2. For the Spirit is God’s instrumental agent to strengthen the Christian

a. Strengthening with might through the Spirit in the inner man - Ephesians 3:16 - That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

b. With a power working in us - Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

-- We are able to be a blessing to others, with the aid of the Spirit working in us!

[Jesus therefore offers us the opportunity to be blessed by the Spirit’s indwelling, so we can be useful in blessing the lives of those around us. But to ensure that we receive this blessing of the Spirit, let’s be careful to consider...]

III. THE RECEPTION OF THE PROMISE

A. GIVEN TO THOSE WHO OBEY...

1. By believing in Jesus Christ

a. The need to believe emphasized twice in our text - John 7:38-39 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

b. For faith is necessary to receive “life in His name” - cf. John 20:31 - But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

2. By repenting of our sins

a. The gift of the Spirit promised to those who repent - Acts 2:38-39 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

b. Those who repent will experience “times of refreshing” (what could be more refreshing than “rivers of living water”?) - cf. Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

3. By being baptized for the remission of our sins

a. Those baptized are promised the gift of the Spirit - Acts 2:38-39 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

b. They are made to drink into one Spirit - cf. 1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

-- As Peter put it, God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him - Acts 5:32 - And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

B. EXPERIENCED BY THOSE WHO GROW...

1. By singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs

a. We are to be filled with the Spirit - Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

b. Which we can do by singing - Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

2. By studying the Word of God

a. Which is the sword of the Spirit - Ephesians 6:17 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

b. The means by which the Spirit teaches and instructs the Christian, for it contains the revelation of God given by the Spirit to inspired men who wrote it for our benefit- cf. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. - Ephesians 3:5-7 - Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

3. By praying, making requests regarding the Spirit

a. That God would fill one with all joy and peace in believing, abounding in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

b. That God would strengthen one with might through His Spirit in the inner man - Ephesians 3:16 - That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

4. By turning away from sin

a. Lest they grieve the Spirit - cf. Ephesians 4:29-31 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

b. Lest they quench the Spirit - cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Quench not the Spirit.

CONCLUSION

1. What a wonderful promise Jesus offers in our text...

a. The Holy Spirit to those who believe in Him

b. A refreshing drink that can become rivers of living water

1) First refreshing our souls

2) Then refreshing the souls around us by His impact on our lives

2. How sad if we quench the Spirit Who is intended to quench our thirst...

a. By failing to obey the Lord

b. By failing to grow in the Lord

May our attitude and heart’s felt desire be similar to that of the Samaritan woman, when Jesus spoke to her at Jacob’s well...

“John 4:13-15 - Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”

Are you willing to say to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst” by coming to Him in faithful obedience...?

Prayer: Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned - Lord I truly thank You for giving the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will keep them in Your blessings and accept them into Your heart - this I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. - Ephesians 6:23-24