OceanSide church of Christ

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Water
by: Dalton Gilreath

I.                Introduction

A.    The world around us speaks to us daily  (Psa 19:1-4)

                                                    i.     It isn’t that we have to listen carefully or look hard

                                                   ii.     If we don’t see God in creation we are ignoring the evidence

B.    Specifically, God uses water to say more than other aspects of the world

                                                    i.     Water is used from the beginning of creation until the end

                                                   ii.     Let’s notice what water has to do with God’s scheme of redemption

II.              Water Refreshes

A.    There is nothing like a cup of water on a hot day

                                                    i.     David desired a cup of water from the well in Bethlehem (2 Sam 23:15)

                                                   ii.     However, it was in Philistine territory

1.     His mighty men fought off Philistines to get it for him

2.     How significant this water must have been to David

B.    Jesus spoke highly of those who would give a cold cup of water to “little ones” (Matt 10:42)

                                                    i.     Jesus Himself asked for water while on the cross of Calvary (John 19:28)

                                                   ii.     Instead, they gave Him vinegar

C.    David references the refreshing of water in a spiritual sense (Psa 63:1)

                                                    i.     Isaiah then prophesies that the land will receive water when the Messiah comes (35:6-7)

                                                   ii.     This was fulfilled when Christ came (John 4:13-14)

D.    Finally, we notice the refreshing quality of water in relation to baptism

                                                    i.     Peter preached baptism on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38)

                                                   ii.     In Acts 3, Peter referenced it as being refreshing in a similar sermon (3:19)

III.            Water Cleanses

A.    We understand water cleanses our bodies as we use it daily on our teeth, in the shower, washing our hands, washing the car, etc

                                                    i.     The high priest had to wash his hands and feet with water before entering into the tabernacle (Ex 30:19-20)

                                                   ii.     This wasn’t to get the dirt off but served as a spiritual message of cleansing

                                                 iii.     Remember that the tabernacle represents the church today

B.    David desired to be spiritually cleansed with water (Psa 51:2, 7)

C.    Furthermore, Zechariah prophesied a cleansing fountain would come (13:1)

                                                    i.     This came true through baptism into Christ (Tit 3:5)

                                                   ii.     Paul’s sin was washed away (Acts 22:16)

                                                 iii.     Baptism saves but it isn’t a physical cleansing at all (1 Pet 3:21)

                                                 iv.     Our bodies are spiritually washed with pure water (Heb 10:22)

IV.            Water is Essential

A.    Hagar was sent away from Abraham with bread and water (Gen 21:14-20)

                                                    i.     It wasn’t long before she ran out of water and had to leave her child to die

                                                   ii.     However, God opened her eyes and gave her the physical water she needed to be saved along with her child

B.    Water is essential spiritually as it is physically (1 Pet 3:20-21)

                                                    i.     Baptism saves us as Noah was saved by water

                                                   ii.     In addition, recall that Aaron was told to wash before entering the tabernacle so he die not (Ex 30:18-20)

C.    Jesus taught water was essential to spiritual life

                                                    i.     He taught it to Nicodemus (John 3:5)

                                                   ii.     He taught it to all the world through His apostles (Mark 16:16)

1.     The eunuch learned this lesson from Philip (Acts 8:35-39)

2.     When he saw water he desired the spiritual life given through baptism

3.     If you haven’t received the water necessary for spiritual life what is hindering you?