RIVERS OF LIVING WATERS

Title: RIVERS OF LIVING WATERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
John 7:37-39 (NKJV) – "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 44:3
Revelation 22:1
John 4:14
Ezekiel 47:1-12

INTRODUCTION:
The concept of "rivers of living waters" embodies the abundance and transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. This sermon will explore what these rivers represent, how they can flow in our lives, and the impact they have on us and those around us.

1. THE SOURCE OF LIVING WATERS
Understanding where these rivers originate is crucial for experiencing their fullness.

a) Jesus Christ as the Source: Jesus invites all who thirst to come to Him, affirming that He is the wellspring of living waters (John 4:14).

b) The Holy Spirit's Role: The rivers are manifestations of the Holy Spirit's presence within us (John 7:39).

c) Accessing the Source: We must cultivate a relationship with Jesus to tap into this source of living water through prayer and the Word (Matthew 11:28-30).

d) The Importance of Faith: Believing in Jesus is essential to experiencing the flow of these rivers (Mark 11:24).

e) Biblical Example:
The encounter of the Samaritan woman at the well illustrates how coming to Jesus can lead to receiving living water that transforms our lives (John 4:7-14).

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING WATERS
The rivers of living waters have distinct qualities that impact our lives.

a) Refreshing: Just as physical water refreshes, the Holy Spirit refreshes our spirits, restoring our joy and peace (Psalm 23:3).

b) Life-giving: These waters bring spiritual life and vitality, enabling us to flourish in our faith (John 10:10).

c) Cleansing: The living waters cleanse us from sin and impurities, renewing our minds and hearts (Ephesians 5:26).

d) Overflowing: The nature of these rivers is to overflow, impacting not just ourselves but also those around us (2 Corinthians 9:8).

e) Biblical Example:
Ezekiel's vision of the river flowing from the temple represents the life-giving, healing properties of God's Spirit (Ezekiel 47:1-12).

3. EXPERIENCING THE FLOW OF LIVING WATERS
To enjoy the benefits of these rivers, we must position ourselves to receive.

a) Thirsting for God: We must have a deep desire and hunger for God’s presence and His Spirit (Psalm 42:1-2).

b) Living in Obedience: Following God's commands allows the Holy Spirit to flow freely in our lives (John 14:15).

c) Engaging in Worship: Worship creates an environment where the Holy Spirit can move and pour out His presence (Psalm 22:3).

d) Expecting His Work: Having faith that God will work in us through the Holy Spirit is vital to experiencing His power (Ephesians 3:20).

e) Biblical Example:
The early church experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, demonstrating how unity, prayer, and expectancy led to an overflow of living waters (Acts 2:1-4).

4. THE IMPACT OF LIVING WATERS ON OUR LIVES
These rivers affect our personal lives and our interactions with others.

a) Transformation: Living waters bring about significant change in our character and conduct, reflecting Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

b) Empowerment for Service: The Holy Spirit equips us for ministry and service, enabling us to impact our communities (Acts 1:8).

c) Fruitfulness: The rivers enable us to bear fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23).

d) Healing: The flowing waters have the power to heal our emotional and spiritual wounds (James 5:16).

e) Biblical Example:
The healing of the man born blind illustrates how the presence of Christ can transform and bring restoration (John 9:1-7).

5. SHARING THE LIVING WATERS
Believers are called to share the rivers of living waters with others.

a) Witnessing: Sharing our testimonies of how Christ has transformed us can draw others to Him (Revelation 12:11).

b) Discipleship: Investing in others to help them grow in their faith allows the rivers to flow through us (Matthew 28:19-20).

c) Serving Others: Acts of kindness and service demonstrate the love of Christ and the overflow of His Spirit (Matthew 5:16).

d) Creating Community: Building relationships within the church encourages others to experience the living waters together (Hebrews 10:24-25).

e) Biblical Example:
The early church’s communal living and sharing of resources exemplify how the rivers of living waters can lead to a supportive and thriving community (Acts 2:44-47).

CONCLUSION:
The rivers of living waters represent the abundant life that flows from a relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. As we seek Him, allow His Spirit to fill us, and share His love with others, we become vessels through which these life-giving waters can flow. Let us thirst for Him, position ourselves to receive, and go forth to share the living waters with the world.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I come to You, thirsty for Your living waters.

2. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and let rivers of living waters flow from within me.

3. Help me to recognise and access the source of living waters in my life.

4. Cleanse me from all impurities and renew my spirit.

5. Increase my hunger and thirst for Your presence.

6. Empower me to serve others and share Your love effectively.

7. Strengthen my faith as I expect You to work in my life.

8. Help me to live in obedience to Your Word, allowing Your Spirit to flow freely.

9. Heal any emotional wounds and restore my joy in You.

10. May I be a vessel of Your living waters, bringing life to those around me.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that rivers of living waters are flowing into your life today!

2. You will experience refreshing and renewal in your spirit!

3. Every obstacle hindering the flow of the Holy Spirit in your life is removed!

4. You will bear fruit in every good work as the living waters flow through you!

5. Healing is coming to your life as the rivers of living waters overflow!

6. Your thirst for God will lead to an abundance of His presence!

7. You are empowered to witness and share the love of Christ with others!

8. Expect to see transformation in your character and conduct!

9. You will create a community that reflects the rivers of living waters!

10. God’s abundance will flow through you, impacting lives around you!