Isaiah 44:3-5 For I will pour water on him that is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground: I will pour my spirit on your seed… These "exceeding great and precious promises" are "unto us and our children." I. GOD'S PROMISE OF BLESSING UPON THE CHURCH. 1. Its import. Refers to the effusion of the Spirit. 2. Its participants. God's ancient people — in a sadly backsliding state. How deeply they needed the effusion of the Spirit! Two facts prove this to be our great want. (1) The low and languid piety of many. (2) The comparatively small success of the various agencies for the conversion of souls. 3. Its abundance. God gives what He promises only in answer to prayer. His promise cannot fail. "I will." II. GOD'S PROMISE OF BLESSING UPON THE CHILDREN OF THE CHURCH. 1. Our children need the Holy Spirit. Religion is not hereditary. No natural goodness can supersede His work. Spiritual life is not natural life carried up to its highest point of attainment. 2. God promises to give the Spirit as abundantly to them as to us. Same terms used. And having received the Spirit, they are to grow in grace vigorously (ver. 4). The manifestation of this in public (ver. 5). (A. Tucker.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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