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Sermon #5458

If Anyone Thirsts ...

A Sermon on John 7:37-38

Originally preached July 12, 1959

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Scripture

John 7:37-38 ESV KJV
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried 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.’” (ESV)

Sermon Description

Who is the gospel for? In this sermon on John 7:37–38 titled “If Anyone Thirsts…,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the perplexing question of who it is that Jesus came to die for and save. He says that the gospel is for all those that thirst for God because they know that they are sinners in need of grace. They know that there is nothing they can do to save themselves and escape the judgement of God. Realizing one’s own sinfulness and fallenness is the first step to coming to Christ for salvation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that it is the law that brings sinners out of their stupor of self-righteousness and into the awesome grace of God. This sermon tells all that they are in dire need of the Savior, and that Jesus has risen from the dead in order that they might live. All who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus are made holy and are adopted as children of God. The only path to true happiness is by coming to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate message of hope and it is the only truth that can save the world.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The invitation is addressed to those who are thirsty, meaning those who have an intense spiritual need. This includes:
  2. Those longing for purpose and meaning in life.
  3. Those seeking peace of conscience and forgiveness of sins.
  4. Those thirsting for righteousness and purity.
  5. Those lacking strength and power to overcome sin.

  6. Those longing to know God himself.

  7. The invitation is not for the curious, the pleasure-seekers, or those only seeking temporary relief or experiences. It is for the spiritually desperate.

  8. Jesus himself is the well of salvation and the fulfillment of prophecy. He alone can satisfy spiritual thirst.

  9. Coming to Jesus and drinking means believing in him. It means accepting his claims about himself in Scripture and trusting in him personally for salvation.

  10. Jesus gives unsearchable spiritual riches: forgiveness of sins, knowledge of God, eternal life, understanding, strength, and more.

  11. To drink means to come to Jesus immediately, just as you are, without delay or attempts at self-improvement. Come now, without reservation, and believe.

  12. We must come like Abraham, who believed God's promise in spite of obstacles and circumstances. We must believe God's word about Jesus and salvation.

  13. If we come to Jesus and drink, we will be blessed and become a blessing. Our lives will be transformed and we will have new purpose and joy.

The Book of John

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.