Evidence of Receiving the Spirit part 2

The “feast” John is referring to is the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated the time when Israel was in the wilderness. During this feast they would bring an offering of water and pour it out upon the altar signifying how God provided water in the wilderness.

During this feast the Jews would bring a offering (oblation) of water signifying how God provided them water in the wilderness. While in the wilderness the people became thirsty and began to complain of their lack of water. God would eventually cause water to spring forth from a rock. Jesus is making a connection between that event and Himself.

When Israel was in the wilderness the people became thirsty and began to complain of a lack of water. God would eventually cause water to spring forth from a rock. Jesus is making a connection between that event and Himself.

Before the water sprang forth from that rock in the wilderness, God commanded Moses to “strike” the rock. In the same way, before we could receive these “waters” Christ had to suffer (be crucified).

As we said, Jesus is associating the water that the people received out of the rock while in the wilderness with the waters that men are to receive from Him. Now, when we look back at the event in the wilderness we realize that water was given out of the rock on two separate occasions! On the first occasion, God commanded Moses to strike the rock. However, there was another occasion when the people complained of thirst.

, , ,

Believing on Him is not just about recognizing that Jesus died and rose again. It’s also not just believing that the Holy Spirit has been given on account of His death and resurrection. It’s about believing it to the point that we speak it with our mouth!

This was the second time instead of commanding Moses to “strike” the rock, God commanded him to “speak” to the rock. But, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses spoke to the people and struck the rock.

Water was not received because someone struck the rock. This time someone would have to “speak” before water would spring forth from the rock. This is significant because I believe it confirms to us that it takes more than Christ being crucified/glorified to receive the waters of the Spirit. To receive these waters you will have to use your mouth/words.

Notice how Moses’ actions were described as an act of unbelief. This is a clear example of the role speaking plays in believing. Believing on Jesus is not just about recognizing that He has died and rose again. It’s also about speaking with our mouths!

Believing on Him is not just about recognizing that Jesus died and rose again. It’s also not just believing that the Holy Spirit has been given on account of His death and resurrection. It’s about believing it to the point that we speak it with our mouth!

Romans 10:6 KJV 1900

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

This is something a person might say when they feel their situation is hopeless. (“I’ve got about as much hope receiving this promise as I do in someone going up to heaven and fetching Christ.”) In other words, it’s impossible. However, faith does not speak out of frustration or despair!

, ,

Paul and his companions were in the midst of great trouble and distress. But rather than speak as they felt, they spoke as they believed! Sometimes God will allow us to fall into places of extreme trouble or lack to prove (to see) faith or fear, belief or frustration!

It is not a matter of finding the right person or going to the right place. Instead, it’s a matter of faith. And the power of faith is the mouth. Believing and speaking is not only God’s method of obtaining salvation, it is His method of obtaining any of His promises including the Spirit.

We mustn’t let the difficulty of the moment keep us from speaking our faith. If we are going to receive these “living waters” of the Spirit, we’re going to have to do more than believe Jesus has given us the promise. We’re going to have put our faith into words. Faith speaks what it believes!

Wherever you find faith, it will be speaking. Faith speaks what it believes.

Some of you have said that you believe that the Spirit has been given to you. Well, if you truly believe that, what would your faith be speaking? You claim you believe, but nothing is coming out of your mouth!