Total Truth
Norman Grubb emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as our constant source of spiritual nourishment to combat feelings of dryness and distance from God.
Norman Grubb emphasizes the importance of recognizing the indwelling Spirit of God within us, likening it to a permanent well of water and nourishment that sustains our souls. He highlights the need to spiritually feed on Jesus, the Bread of Life, through faith and recognition, ensuring a continuous freshness and vitality in our spiritual lives. Grubb rejects the notion of feeling spiritually dry or hungry when God resides within us, except in cases of unconfessed sin that need to be addressed.
Text
I never let the devil tell me I am dry. How can I be dry in soul when I keep a permanent well of water inside--the Spirit springing up unto everlasting life? I never let the devil tell me I'm hungry and need spiritual nourishment. I have permanent loaves and permanent water inside me --the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. Jesus! And all that I have to do is to eat and drink spiritually. You eat and drink spiritually by recognition. That's all. The recognition of faith is the eating and drinking spiritually. I just recognize Jesus and there I am, of course, fresh in a second! I will talk about that a little later on, but I never allow these things. It is an insult to God when He is living in me that I could moan and groan that I am cold, dry . . . .
Not for a second, unless there is sin! If there is sin we'll have to deal with that.
Karuizawa Japan Conference of 1954
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the indwelling Spirit - The concept of spiritual nourishment - The role of recognition in faith
- II points: - The significance of Jesus as the Bread of Life - The importance of the Water of Life - How to spiritually eat and drink
- III points: - Dealing with spiritual dryness - The impact of sin on our spiritual state - Maintaining a fresh relationship with God
- IV points: - The insult of doubt in God's presence - Living in constant recognition of Jesus - The power of faith in daily life
Key Quotes
“I never let the devil tell me I am dry.” — Norman Grubb
“I have permanent loaves and permanent water inside me --the Bread of Life and the Water of Life.” — Norman Grubb
“It is an insult to God when He is living in me that I could moan and groan that I am cold, dry.” — Norman Grubb
Application Points
- Regularly remind yourself of the Holy Spirit's presence within you.
- Engage in daily practices that reinforce your recognition of Jesus.
- Address any sin in your life to maintain a fresh connection with God.