Spiritual, Living Water: The Ultimate Source of Fulfillment
Journey Through the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
In my last message, we examined this conversation between Christ and the woman at the well. If you recall, Christ initiated this discussion by simply asking for a drink of water from Jacob’s well. The Samaritan woman was completely surprised that a Jewish man would ask her for a drink of water, let alone even speak to her. Christ responded by ignoring the prejudice that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. Instead, He directed her interest to the water that He was offering.
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
There are two important points to his response. First, the Samaritan woman's ignorance was not uncommon. Many, even today, still do not understand the very essence of Christ. He is much more than a man or a great teacher. He is God Himself. However, her ignorance underscores the fact that each person born into this world is born spiritually dead and, thus, unable to understand the things of God. This spiritual ignorance is the starting point from which Christ began with Nicodemus, a Master Teacher of Israel. Second, Christ offered to her a gift just as He did with Nicodemus and to all the world. It is not only a gift of eternal life but also a gift of “living water.” As a gift, it is accessible to all who will receive it.
This morning, we pick up the conversation by noting her reaction to Christ’s claim that He could give her “living water.”
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
We must not criticize her response. Everything that she said is something all of us would have said as well. However, her response shows the spiritual condition of all who have not encountered Christ or continue to reject Him. She was blinded to the fact that this was God sitting before her and speaking to her. Her single focus was only on material things, not spiritual. She was more concerned with how Christ could draw water rather than that He was offering her something that would completely satisfy her. In the end, her response outwardly demonstrates how so many are woefully ignorant that Christ is the single source of “living water.”
All around us is a world of people who ask questions. They always have questions of unbelief, just like the woman. They ask, “How can you draw water when the well is so deep?” Perhaps another question would be, “Are you greater than our father, Jacob?” Or, like Nicodemus, “How can a person be born again? Must they enter a second time into their mother’s womb?” These are questions that seek to rationalize, criticize, and cause doubt. Yet, all these questions do nothing except demonstrate how wholly blind and ignorant people genuinely are. However, despite all these questions, the Lord graciously carefully cuts through the doubts and questions. We now turn to His response to her questions and see His marvelous forbearance and longsuffering.
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
His answers in verses 13 and 14 are the heart of today’s message. In these verses, God wants us to know that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, offers something no other person can offer: living water. The water that He provides is unlike anything man has ever experienced. It is complete spiritual nourishment and refreshment. It brings complete spiritual satisfaction that never quits and never dries up. His living water will take away any need or desire to thirst again. It is the only unfailing source that brims with everlasting life.
Here is our first point from the text.
The Benefits of Christ’s Living Water Far Outweigh Anything the Word Offers!
The Benefits of Christ’s Living Water Far Outweigh Anything the Word Offers!
What is different about Christ’s living water?
Living Water that is UNIQUE!
Living Water that is UNIQUE!
It is unique in that it is the only one of its kind and completely distinctive of Christ alone. It is completely different from what the world offers, inspiring hope and optimism.
Look again at our text and note the comparison between the water of this world versus the living water Christ offers.
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
When Christ said, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again,” He was, as we know, referring to the physical water of the well. However, I believe He was using the well's water to demonstrate that things of this world will never quench the spiritual thirst so many have.
There is within the heart of every person a “thirst” or a longing that they seek to satisfy. It is not a physical thirst. No, it is a spiritual thirst. For this reason, no material or physical thing can quench or bring satisfaction. Everyone tries their best to find something to quench the thirst from within. They think they will be satisfied by pouring themselves into their work. Some believe their hobbies will fulfill their thirst. For others, it is possessions or wealth. Some think that relationships and friends will quench this undeniable thirst. Still others turn to religion or science. On and on goes a litany of worldly and material things that people go after, seeking to satisfy the spiritual thirst within. Yet, as Solomon noted, they go after everything under the sun only to find “vanity and vexation of spirit.” In other words, nothing satisfies them. We see it in people as they jump from relationship to relationship, job to job, buying one house only to turn around and purchase another. Our entire financial economy centers upon this spiritual thirst within everyone. Commercial after commercial promotes the idea that you will experience complete happiness and 100% satisfaction if you buy their product. Cooking shows, restaurants, and the latest food products seek to satisfy the same innate spiritual thirst. Even the beer and wine industry uses this thirst to their advantage. Yet, day in and day out, people try these things. They are satisfied for a short time, but soon, that satisfaction is gone, and they are searching again. This Samaritan woman represents us all. She was no different. Christ knew this. Thus, He says to her and us this morning...
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Our Wednesday Bible study has shifted our attention to the Eternal State of men. In that study, we have considered the eternal state of all who chose not to believe in Christ. As we know, Scripture teaches that for all who reject Christ, God will cast them into a lake of fire. Thus, our focus has been on the topic of Hell. Christ himself tells a sad story about Hell. Luke 16 records the story as it relates to the death of two men. One was a rich man, and the other man was a beggar. What is interesting is this! Listen to Luke 16's description of the rich man.
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
The rich man had everything the world offered. He ate well, dressed well, and enjoyed a very nice home.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Unfortunately, this rich man never had his spiritual thirst quenched. He died spiritually dead and ignorant of Christ, only to go into eternity still longing for that same thirst to be satisfied. However, in contrast, the beggar, Lazarus, lived his life scratching to get by, settling for the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table and living with sores licked by dogs. By the world's standards, he was a failure. Yet, unlike the rich man, spiritually, he was satisfied. In death, the angels bore his spirit and soul into Abraham's bosom, and he enjoyed rest, happiness, and complete satisfaction. Lazarus is still enjoying the benefits of Christ's living water even today.
The rich man? He is still suffering at the hand of his spiritual thirst, which will never be satisfied. Why? He chose to use his days on earth, seeking the temporary satisfaction of this world's well-water, not the living water Christ offered.
The water that Christ offers is unique. It is vastly different than the well-water of this world. It is water that comes with a great promise. It will thoroughly satisfy you. You will never again thirst. It is everlasting. That is the water that Christ offers. It was the water that He proposed to this Samaritan woman. The great thing is that His offer is free. All you have to do is receive it. However, it must come from Him. He is the only source from which the living water flows.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Here is another thought about Christ’s living water. It is...
Living Water that is SATISFYING
Living Water that is SATISFYING
It pleases the mind and the heart, bringing spiritual happiness and gratification. It is the only water acceptable before God.
John 4:14 (KJV 1900)
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Note the words here in the first part of this verse carefully. Christ says, "Whosoever drinketh." Consider the act of drinking water for a second. Whenever we pick up a glass of cool water on a hot summer day, we pour it into our mouths, and it ministers to us. It meets a need. It refreshes us and brings great satisfaction. However, to enjoy its pleasures, I must first take action. I must pick up the glass of water and pour it into my mouth. That cool glass of water does me no good if I leave it there.
Now note Christ says, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him." We already established that this living water is eternal life. Again, Christ reminds this woman that His living water is a gift. It does not need to be bought or won. No, one needs to receive it.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
What is the end result for those who willingly receive this wonderful gift of eternal life? They "shall never thirst." Not only does Christ offer eternal life, but He also offers eternal satisfaction. His gift not only assures us of eternity with Him, but it also promises spiritual happiness and gratification. And, by the way, Christ's living water is the only water acceptable before God.
But wait, there is one more wonderful characteristic of this living water. It is...
Living Water that is FULFILLING
Living Water that is FULFILLING
It is spiritually, emotionally, and physically satisfying. It successfully produces the desired result.
John 4:14 (KJV 1900)
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
As I was studying this passage, this thought struck me. Christ compares Jacob's well to His well. Jacob's well is a man-made well that was prone to drought conditions. I am sure there were times throughout the history of the well when the water receded to the point that the citizens of the areas could not draw water from it. No doubt the well was deep. The Samaritan woman even alluded to that fact. Jacob's well could have been more reliable. At times, it abounded with water; at other times, there was only so much water for all. However, in comparison, Christ's well is "springing up." In Greek, "springing up" means filled to the brim and overrunning. Thus, unlike Jacob's well, Christ's living water is a constantly bubbling and unending source of everlasting life. It did not depend upon the weather. During times of drought and times of blessing, Christ's well of living water springs forth, continuing to produce a bounty of everlasting life. What does this mean? It is always spiritually, emotionally, and physically satisfying throughout the ebbs and flows of life. No matter how complex or dry circumstances may be in our lives, He continues to be our source of living water, always satisfying and refreshing us. It continues to spring up.
After hearing Christ’s description of His living water, what was her reaction?
15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Enjoying the Benefits of Christ’s Living Water Begins with An Awakening of the Conscience through Conviction
Enjoying the Benefits of Christ’s Living Water Begins with An Awakening of the Conscience through Conviction
She wanted what Christ had to offer, but she was not quite there yet. She understood the benefits of His offer. She responded, "Give me this water." She was close. Yet, one more thing needed to happen in her life before true spiritual awakening occurred.
Note Christ’s response.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
What an odd question! All this time, Christ talked about living water. It was a gift to all who would receive it. He expounded upon its great benefits. It was unique and different from the water of this world. Those who received it would enjoy its satisfaction and fulfillment. She is ready to receive. She wants and desires this water. And then, Christ abruptly says, "Go, call your husband to come hither!"
O boy! I imagine her heart dropped to her feet. In that moment, Christ went straight to this woman's conscience. He knew her situation. So why did He go there?
It was essentially for this reason: He needed to awaken her conscience. For one to enjoy the full benefits of Christ's living water, the conscience needs to be awakened, and conviction of sin needs to be felt. We see this so beautifully in Christ's dealings with this woman. He knew full well that she was not, at that moment, married. He knew all about her. He knew her heart, life, and even her thoughts. Nothing is hidden from Christ.
17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
In 2 Corinthians, we read the following.
8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
This passage is the Holy Spirit's response to words penned in the first letter to the Corinthian believers. What I want you to note is really in verse 10. The whole purpose for which the Holy Spirit revealed their sin was so they might experience "godly sorrow" that would result in "repentance to salvation." In other words, His exposure of sin, coupled with His convicting power, causes people to sorrow, awakening within them a sense of how much they need salvation. Our understanding of our need for salvation begins with an awakening of the soul that we are indeed sinful people. Thus, Christ pointed out the obvious. She was a sinner.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
We see this theme running throughout the New Testament. The book of Acts, in particular, repeats the thought of repentance. Paul once preached a message on Mar's Hill in Athens, Greece. The message began because Paul noted an altar with the inscription, "To the Unknown God." Paul took that as an opportunity to declare God as the true God unknown to them. In his message, Paul stated...
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
It was much the same with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. They were ignorant of Christ and His deity. However, God revealed to this woman the darkest regions of her life. He exposed her sin. Christ opened her eyes to the fact that she was indeed a sinner in need of Him as the Savior. He jerked her conscience wide awake by revealing her sin. Conviction and spiritual awakening happen in an instant. She reacted by stating...
19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Christ had her attention.
As we will see next Sunday, she tries to divert the conversation from her sin to the idea of worship. Yet, God is already at work in her heart. The door is opening. Christ is knocking. His revelation of her past slowly begins opening the door. Soon, remission and repentance of sin will have their way.
What is my point?
I am glad you asked. My point is simple. If you genuinely want to enjoy the benefits of Christ's living water, you must first come to grips with your sin. You acknowledge that you are truthfully a sinful person. The person who allows the Holy Spirit's convicting power to work in their life, leading them to admit their sinful condition, is well on their way to accepting Christ as their Savior.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Conclusion
Conclusion
There are many benefits of drinking the water Christ offers. It is uniquely different from what the world offers. The world will leave you spiritually parched, dehydrated, and heading towards death's door. On the other hand, Christ affords you living water that will completely satisfy you. It will bring healing and complete fulfillment.
It is also eternal. However, to enjoy Christ's living water's physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits, you must first acknowledge your sinful condition. You must see yourself for who you indeed are. In doing so, you open the door for His Spirit to bring the necessary sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation. Scripture says...
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
