Decision 1: Respond to Jesus' Invitation
Instructions: Watch the video teaching above, then use the material below to apply to your life
If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
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. 38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." 39 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. – John 7:37-39
Embarking on a journey of discipleship, we are reminded that becoming a disciple of Jesus is not an automatic process.
It requires intentional decisions, much like the decision to accept salvation. This journey is about making daily choices to follow Jesus, and our first decision is to respond to His invitation to come and drink the living water. In John 7, Jesus invites those who thirst to come to Him, promising that out of their hearts will flow rivers of living water, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. This invitation is universal and extended to all who recognize their spiritual thirst.
Deep dive
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Becoming a disciple of Jesus involves daily choices to follow Him. Salvation is a decision, and so is discipleship. We must actively choose to align our lives with His teachings and example. [02:16]
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The call to come and drink of the living water is extended to everyone, regardless of background or status. This universal invitation requires a personal response, highlighting the importance of recognizing our spiritual thirst. [15:13]
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Spiritual thirst is often expressed through anxiety and a lack of fulfillment. True satisfaction comes only from Jesus, the living water. We must seek Him earnestly, recognizing that worldly pursuits cannot quench our spiritual thirst. [23:30]
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Accepting Jesus' invitation involves surrendering our own ways and embracing transformation. While there is a cost, the yoke of Christ is lighter than the burdens of sin and self-reliance. [17:30]
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Merely getting religious without truly drinking from Jesus can lead to spiritual pride and emptiness. True discipleship involves a relationship with Jesus, drawing from His teachings, power, and Spirit. [32:22]
questions to consider:
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What does it mean for Jesus' invitation to be universal, and how does this impact our understanding of discipleship? [15:13]
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What are the implications of spiritual thirst, as described in the study, and how can it manifest in your life? [23:30]
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How does the concept of the yoke of Christ being lighter than the burdens of sin and self-reliance challenge our daily decisions? [17:30]
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Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually thirsty. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to seek Jesus as the source of living water? [21:44]
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Jesus' invitation is open to everyone. How can you extend this invitation to someone in your life who might be spiritually thirsty? [15:13]
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Consider the cost of following Jesus. What personal sacrifices might you need to make to embrace the transformation He offers? [29:48]
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How can you identify and address areas in your life where you might be relying on worldly pursuits to fulfill spiritual thirst? [23:30]
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In what ways can you make intentional daily decisions to align your life with Jesus' teachings and example? [02:16]
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How can you ensure that your relationship with Jesus is genuine and not just a religious routine? [32:22]
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Think about the yoke of Christ. What burdens are you currently carrying that you need to surrender to Him for a lighter load? [17:30]