Some points from the talk by Mark Driscoll.
When reading the narrative, Christians need to realize that they should identify themselves as the Samaritan woman.
The Samaritan woman idolizing something (can’t remember what, maybe stable relationship?) that’s why she offer herself to the 5 husbands.
Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman. Living water is a metaphor of the Holy Spirit. The book of John contains few metaphors for the Holy Spirit.
The subject of conversation now turns to worship (can’t remember the explanation from Mark as to why the woman changes the conversation from discussing her situation to worship).
Worship = giving glory + sacrifice
Worship is both gathered (with other people, at church for example) and scattered (at work for example). Scattered nature of worship (everywhere & everytime) means in a sense, Chritians are in full time ministry.
Beware of your functional saviour (the one that you worship) as you WILL ultimately offer sacrifice to him/her/it. Some functional saviour can be: career, spouse, children etc2. Christians are to worship God and offer ourselves to God (Romans 12).
In conclusion, Christians need to ask themselves:
- What do you long for most?
- Where do you run for comfort?
- What makes you angry with God?
- What do you sacrifice for?
- Whose approval do you seek?
- What makes you happiest?