How can believers today seek the "gift of God" mentioned in John 4:10? Grasping the Promise in John 4:10 “Jesus answered, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” (John 4:10) • “The gift of God” = “living water,” later identified as the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). • The gift brings eternal life (John 4:14; Romans 6:23) and ongoing refreshment for daily obedience. Recognizing Our Need for the Gift • Sin leaves every heart spiritually dry (Romans 3:23). • No religious ritual, moral effort, or earthly well can satisfy what only Christ can fill (Isaiah 55:1-2). • Acknowledge personal thirst as the Samaritan woman did: “Sir, give me this water” (John 4:15). Receiving the Gift Once for All 1. Hear the gospel: Jesus Christ is God’s Son, crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 2. Repent and believe: “Repent, and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). 3. Trust God’s promise: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 4. Confess openly: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’… you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Pursuing Fresh Springs Daily Though the gift is granted in a moment, its fullness is enjoyed continually. Seek it by: • Scripture Intake – Drink deeply from the Word (Psalm 1:2-3; John 15:7). • Prayerful Dependence – Ask and keep asking (Luke 11:13). • Obedient Walk – Obedience keeps the channel clear (John 14:21). • Heartfelt Worship – Praise magnifies the Giver and renews joy (Psalm 63:1-5). • Spirit-Led Yielding – “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18); surrender thoughts, attitudes, and choices. Guarding Against Leaky Cisterns • Reject substitutes: materialism, pleasure, status (Jeremiah 2:13). • Battle unbelief with God’s promises (2 Peter 1:4). • Confess sin quickly; unconfessed sin grieves the Spirit (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 4:30). Overflowing to Others The gift is never meant to be hoarded. Jesus promised, “Whoever believes in Me… streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:38). • Speak the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Serve sacrificially (Galatians 5:13). • Strengthen the church with Spirit-given gifts (1 Peter 4:10). Looking Ahead to the Ultimate Fulfillment The invitation remains open: “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). Keep your eyes on that day, and seek the gift now with eager, daily faith. |
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