Are you spiritually thirsty? And where do you turn to satisfy that thirst?

On the final day of the Feast of Booths, Jesus stood up and issued a remarkable invitation: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). His invitation is for anyone who recognizes their need for the life only he can give.

In this sermon from John 7:37–39, we consider three questions: Who should come to Christ? How should we come to him? And why should we come? Jesus calls sinners to come and drink by faith, promising the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. And that life is meant to overflow—not only nourishing us in our walk with God, but producing fruit that blesses others and brings glory to our heavenly Father.

Whether you need to come to Christ for the first time or need to return to him for renewed strength and nourishment, his invitation remains: Come and drink.

Sermon Outline

1. The Prerequisite: Who Should Come to Christ?

Anyone who thirsts.
We don't need to get our lives together before coming to Christ; we come because we recognize our need for him.

2. The Prescription: How Should We Come to Christ?

Come to Christ and drink by faith.
Trust in Jesus, rest in him for salvation, and continue depending on him throughout the Christian life.

3. The Promise: Why Should We Come to Christ?

Christ gives the Holy Spirit to those who believe.
The Spirit brings life, produces spiritual fruit, and works through us to bless others and glorify God.
When we become discouraged by our remaining sin, we must look again to Christ and depend on his Spirit.

Study and Reflection Questions

What does Jesus mean when he says, “If anyone thirsts”? How is spiritual thirst different from pursuing money, power, or other worldly desires?
Why is recognizing our need for Christ—not getting our lives together first—the prerequisite for coming to him?
How would you explain the difference between coming near the things of Christianity and actually coming to Christ and drinking by faith?
What does it look like to keep coming to Christ in private worship, family worship, and public worship? How is this different from trying to earn or maintain our salvation?
In John 7:38–39, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in him? How does the Holy Spirit bring life and fruitfulness to believers?
How does the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) enable us to become a blessing to our families, our church, and our neighbors?
When you become discouraged by your sin or lack of spiritual growth, what does it mean to take two looks at Christ for every one look at yourself?
Who in your life needs to hear Christ's invitation? How can you pray for the Lord to give that person a spiritual thirst for him?

Key Scriptures: John 7:37–39; Isaiah 55:1; Psalm 42:1–2; Ephesians 1:13–14; Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 5:6, 16.

Takeaway: Come to Christ, drink by faith, and depend on his Spirit for the life and strength you need to follow him and bless others.