How can believers today experience the Spirit's presence as described in John 7:39? The Living Water Promise (John 7:37-39) “On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: streams of living water will flow from within him.’ He spoke this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.” Receiving the Spirit: The Moment of New Birth • Acts 2:38—repentance and faith bring forgiveness and “the gift of the Holy Spirit.” • 1 Corinthians 12:13—every believer is baptized by the Spirit into one body. • Romans 8:9—“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” The Spirit’s indwelling is instantaneous, certain, and permanent for all who trust Christ. Staying Filled: An Ongoing Experience (Ephesians 5:18) “Be filled with the Spirit.” The verb carries a continual sense—keep being filled. Practical rhythms: • Daily surrender of will (Romans 12:1) • Regular intake of Scripture (Colossians 3:16) • Consistent prayer in dependence on the Spirit (Jude 20; Ephesians 6:18) • Corporate worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Quick confession of sin to remove grief (Ephesians 4:30; 1 John 1:9) Cultivating Awareness of His Presence • Meditate on Jesus’ promise—John 14:16-17, “He will be with you forever.” • Acknowledge the Spirit when decisions arise—Proverbs 3:5-6 with Romans 8:14. • Speak Scripture aloud; the Spirit authored it (2 Peter 1:21). • Give thanks frequently (1 Thessalonians 5:18); gratitude tunes the heart to His voice. Clearing the Blockages • Unconfessed sin—repent swiftly (Psalm 32:3-5). • Bitterness and unforgiveness—release others (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Self-reliance—replace with humble dependence (John 15:5). • Worldly distractions—simplify life to seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Evidence of the Flowing River • Character transformed—Galatians 5:22-23 fruit. • Bold witness—Acts 1:8 power. • Assurance of sonship—Romans 8:16 inward testimony. • Gifts exercised for the body’s good—1 Corinthians 12:4-7. • Freedom and joy—2 Corinthians 3:17 “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Overflowing to Others Streams flow outward, not inward only. As believers: • Serve in love (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Share Christ willingly (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Encourage the fainthearted (1 Thessalonians 5:14). • Demonstrate generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Living the John 7:39 Reality Today Believers experience the promised presence by receiving the Spirit at conversion and maintaining a Spirit-filled walk through surrender, Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and obedience. As His life flows freely, it refreshes the believer and reaches a thirsty world with the water of life. |
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