The promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit to all who believe in Jesus is a life changing, experiential reality. The work of the unseen Holy Spirit is highly visible in everything from conviction of sin, guiding into all truth, character change, comfort, and joy. And the hope of the gospel is that we get to experience this great gift even as we wait for God to make all things new.
The following sermon was preached on Sunday morning, August 18, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Benbrook
Sermon Summary
This sermon delves into the profound significance of the Feast of Booths, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, and its connection to Jesus’ declaration in John 7. This feast, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, is an eight-day celebration that commemorates God’s provision and faithfulness during the Israelites’ wilderness journey. It involves living in temporary shelters, offering daily sacrifices, and engaging in rituals like the candle and water rites. These traditions were designed to remind the Israelites of their dependence on God for sustenance and their identity as His covenant people.
In John 7, Jesus attends the Feast of Booths and makes a startling proclamation on the last and greatest day of the feast. As the high priest pours out water from a golden pitcher, symbolizing God’s provision and the hope for future blessings, Jesus stands up and cries out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” This declaration points to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promises to those who believe in Him.
Jesus’ words highlight the experiential reality of the Holy Spirit, who quenches our deepest spiritual thirst. This is not just a theological concept but a tangible experience that transforms our inner being. The Holy Spirit’s work is described as unseen visibility—though we cannot see the Spirit, His effects are evident in our lives. This includes conviction of sin, regeneration, illumination, sanctification, and the production of spiritual fruit like love, joy, and peace.
In our current world, filled with suffering and longing for redemption, Jesus’ offer remains the same. He invites us to come to Him and receive the living water of the Holy Spirit, which will sustain and empower us as we await His return. This promise is a reminder that the gospel is not just about future hope but also about present transformation through the Holy Spirit.
Five Day Devotional Guide Based Upon the Sermon
**Day 1: Remembering God’s Provision**
The Feast of Booths, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a significant Jewish tradition that commemorates God’s provision and faithfulness during the Israelites’ wilderness journey. This eight-day celebration involves living in temporary shelters, offering daily sacrifices, and engaging in rituals like the candle and water rites. These traditions were designed to remind the Israelites of their dependence on God for sustenance and their identity as His covenant people. By living in booths, the Israelites were constantly reminded of their transient nature and God’s enduring faithfulness. This feast sets the stage for understanding Jesus’ profound declaration in John 7.
Leviticus 23:42-43 (ESV): “You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Reflection: Think about a time when you experienced God’s provision in a difficult situation. How can you create a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness in your daily life?
**Day 2: Jesus, the Source of Living Water**
On the last day of the Feast of Booths, Jesus stands up and offers living water to those who believe in Him. This living water represents the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and quenches their deepest spiritual thirst. Jesus’ words are a powerful invitation to experience the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit. As the high priest pours out water from a golden pitcher, symbolizing God’s provision and the hope for future blessings, Jesus’ declaration points to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which He promises to those who believe in Him. This offer of living water is a profound reminder of the spiritual sustenance and renewal that only Jesus can provide.
John 4:13-14 (ESV): “Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'”
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually thirsty? How can you intentionally seek the living water that Jesus offers today?
**Day 3: The Unseen Visibility of the Holy Spirit**
The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is described as unseen visibility. Though we cannot see the Spirit, His effects are evident in our lives through conviction of sin, regeneration, illumination, sanctification, and the production of spiritual fruit. This experiential reality is a tangible expression of God’s presence within us. The Holy Spirit’s transformative work is not just a theological concept but a real and tangible experience that changes our inner being and outward actions. This includes the conviction of sin, the process of becoming more like Christ, and the production of spiritual fruit such as love, joy, and peace.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Reflection: Reflect on the fruits of the Spirit in your life. Which fruit do you see most evident, and which one do you need to cultivate more intentionally?
**Day 4: Enduring in a Romans 8 World**
We live in a world marked by suffering, groaning, and longing for redemption. In this context, Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit offers hope and sustenance. The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure tribulations, love sacrificially, and live out our faith in tangible ways, even as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises. This promise is a reminder that the gospel is not just about future hope but also about present transformation through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives provides the strength and encouragement we need to navigate the challenges of this world while keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Romans 8:22-23 (ESV): “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
Reflection: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you endure a current challenge or trial in your life? What practical steps can you take to live out your faith in this situation?
**Day 5: The Full Gospel Message**
The gospel is not just about future hope but also about present transformation. Jesus’ death and resurrection provide forgiveness of sins, and His ascension brings the gift of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling Spirit is living water that flows from our hearts, offering a real and experiential relationship with God that sustains us in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit’s presence within us is a constant source of renewal and empowerment, enabling us to live out the gospel in practical and transformative ways. This full gospel message encompasses both the assurance of eternal life and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives today.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Reflection: How does understanding the full gospel message change the way you live your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit and experience His transformative power?