In what ways can we cultivate a deeper belief in Jesus today? The Promise in John 7:38 “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’ ” (John 7:38) Understanding “Living Water” - A literal, ongoing supply: just as physical water sustains life, the Spirit continually refreshes every believer (John 7:39). - Life that overflows: the verb tense pictures a steady, unending gush, not a one-time trickle (cf. John 4:14). - Meant to be experienced now: Jesus links belief with present, active spiritual vitality. Practices That Deepen Belief Today • Stay rooted in the Word – Daily reading: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). – Memorize and meditate: like Joshua, “meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8). • Engage the Spirit through prayerful dependence – Invite the Spirit’s filling (Ephesians 5:18). – Pray Scripture back to God; it unites our hearts with His revealed will (1 John 5:14-15). • Obey promptly – Jesus ties love and obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). – Each step of obedience affirms His lordship and deepens trust. • Fellowship with believers – The early church “devoted themselves… to the fellowship” (Acts 2:42). – Shared testimonies and accountability encourage faith and guard against dryness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Witness to others – Streams flow outward; sharing Christ reinforces personal conviction (Philemon 6). – The Spirit empowers testimony (Acts 1:8), making belief more tangible. • Practice gratitude and worship – Remembering His works stirs confidence in His character (Psalm 103:1-5). – Worship shifts focus from circumstances to the Living Water within. Guarding the Flow - Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9); unrepented sin clogs the channel. - Reject unbelief and worry by replacing them with God’s promises (Philippians 4:6-7). - Discern teaching: hold everything against Scripture’s plumb line (Acts 17:11). Encouragement from Other Passages • Psalm 1:2-3—A delight in God’s law makes one “like a tree planted by streams of water.” • Jeremiah 17:7-8—Trust in the LORD keeps leaves green in drought. • Colossians 2:6-7—“Continue to live in Him… being built up… overflowing with thankfulness.” As these habits take root, the Spirit’s living water keeps flowing—sustaining, cleansing, and spilling over into a thirsty world. |
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