Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: March 7, 2010
Sermon Title: A Matter of Life and Death
Sermon Text: John 7:35-38
Small Group Text: John 7:37-39
Introduction
The fulfilling life of Christ seems 1) A longing for something more.
to
have
three
phases:
2) A turning of one’s heart toward Christ. 3) And an outpouring of new character (fruit of the Spirit) and Godhonoring behavior (gifts of the Spirit). “Without Christ everything is dry and barren…The believer is not only to receive vital force for himself, but also to become a fountain of life for others.” - Barren
Discussion
Read John 7:37-39 1. Longing, wanting, and wishing: The insatiable “thirst” for something more is common to all people. What are some common “thirsts” among people you know? Can you identify one of your deepest longings? 2. According to these verses how do we get our deepest “thirsts” satisfied? Jesus instructs those who “thirst” for something more to turn their hearts toward Him. Jesus is referring to the person who accepts God’s free gift of salvation. This is the same invitation given to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, but is now extended to all people (see John 4:14 & Isaiah 58:11). It is interesting to note that the Bible closes out with a similar offer of this “water of life” in Rev. 22:17.
3. Who does John identify as the source of these “streams of living water?” John explains that the “living water” is the coming gift of the Holy Spirit. Besides bringing salvation, the Holy Spirit within a believer provides an outpouring of new character (fruit of the Spirit) and God-honoring behavior (spiritual gifts) that bring refreshment to others.
Application
1. If Jesus describes the Christian life as having “springs of livingwater,” why might your life appear to be dried-up and thirsty at times? 2. What steps can you take to restore the flow of Christ’s life-giving Spirit in your life? Christians have learned that certain spiritual disciplines help keep their spiritual channels open and keep their heart’s tuned to God. For example: The spiritual disciplines of withdrawal: solitude, prayer and meditation. Or, the disciplines of engagement: worship, service and celebration.
3. If God’s Spirit is at work in you, what will the “streams of living water” flowing out of your life look like?
Sermon-Based Curriculum