7/8/18 - The Spirit and the Water - John 7:25-52

We've all felt the sting of rejection. Jesus knows the pain. In John chapter 5 we see the religious leaders reject him, in chapter 6 most of his disciples leave. In the beginning of chapter 7 we see his family refusing to believe in him. In 7:25-52 we see his own people question his credentials. Through all of the scorn Jesus stays on mission when in the middle of a massive gathering for a Jewish holiday, he raises his voice and shouts, "Come to me! Believe in me! Living water will flow from your heart!" This "living water" is a reference to the Spirit of God. God giving His people His Spirit. This is a radical distinctive of Christianity. Christianity is not just right doctrine or a social vision for the world, it is above all, a relationship. It's a direct experience with the love of God and the power of God found in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Peter explains it this way. 2 Peter 1:3-4 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and Godliness, (we don't need to search for it anywhere else) (and here's how we get it) through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. Peter says Christians are partakers of the divine nature - WOW! That's not some humanistic New Age statement. It's referring to the Spirit of God residing within the hearts of his people. Notice the Spirit's impact – you are able to "escape the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." This gift of the Spirit is made possible by the death of Jesus. Do you have that gift? It's available to you and John explains how.