Flow – Let the River Flow Through You

This message was given at Casey



Theme: Flow – Let the River Flow Through You 

Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 47:1–12 

INTRODUCTION

We live in a world that’s often dry, broken, and in need of healing. In Ezekiel 47, we see a powerful vision of a river flowing from God’s temple—starting as a trickle and becoming a mighty river that brings life wherever it flows. This river represents God’s Spirit and His desire to bring healing and renewal to the world through His people.

We are reminded that God's river must not be contained—it must flow. And each of us is called to be a channel through which His life-giving power reaches others. This is particularly relevant as we consider World Impact Week and our partnership with our Missionaries all across the world.

ICEBREAKER QUESTIONS

•_                     Have you ever seen a small stream grow into a powerful river or waterfall? What stood out to you about it?

•_                     If God’s Spirit is like a flowing river, how “deep” do you feel you are in that river right now—ankle-deep, knee-deep, waist-deep, or all in?

SCRIPTURE READING

Read aloud: Ezekiel 47:1–12

Also refer to:

•_                     John 7:38–39 – Rivers of living water flowing from believers

•_                     Revelation 22:1–2 – River of life and leaves for healing of the nations

•_                     Psalm 23:5 – God’s overflowing provision

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Observing the Vision

•_                     What stood out to you in Ezekiel’s vision?

•_                     What do you think the increasing depth of the water represents in a believer’s life?

Leaders Notes:

•_                     Highlight that the water starts small but grows—just like the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Draw attention to how the deepening stages represent levels of spiritual growth, trust, and surrender: Ankle-deep: initial faith, safety, control.

Knee-/waist-deep: increasing dependence on God.

Fully immersed: complete surrender, Spirit-led living.

2. Understanding the Symbolism

•_                     The river transforms even the Dead Sea—making salty water fresh and full of life. What does this teach us about the power of the Holy Spirit?

•_                     How does this vision connect with Jesus’ promise in John 7:38–39?

•_                     What are some “dead” or dry areas in our world—or our lives—that need this kind of transformation?

Leaders Notes:

•_                     Help the group understand that the Holy Spirit brings life, even to the most hopeless or broken situations.

•_                     Link Ezekiel’s river to Jesus’ words in John 7:38–39—living water flowing from within believers, symbolizing the Spirit.

•_                     Invite personal reflection and awareness of areas (personal, relational, societal) needing revival and healing.

•_                     Create space for people to name places where God’s Spirit is needed—this can lead to deeper prayer later.

3. Personal Application

•_                     How might you allow the Holy Spirit to flow more freely through your life?

•_                     What holds people back from going deeper into God's presence and mission?

•_                     In what ways can you be a channel of God’s life to others (locally or globally)?

Leaders Notes:

•_                     Help people evaluate their spiritual “depth” and what might be hindering greater surrender or involvement in God’s mission.

•_                     Address common blockers: fear, comfort, busyness, spiritual dryness, unbelief.

•_                     Encourage practical steps of yielding more to the Holy Spirit—whether in prayer, obedience, compassion, or stepping out in faith.

•_                     Emphasize that we are now the temple—and the river flows from us (1 Cor 6:19).

4. World Impact Connection

•_                     CityLife’s mission includes praying, going, and giving. Which of these is God prompting you to grow in this season?

•_                     Can you think of a story (personal or one you’ve heard) where someone allowed God’s Spirit to flow through them and it impacted others?

Leaders Notes:

•_                     Reinforce the mission focus of the church—we’re not just called to receive the Spirit, but to release Him to the nations. Our church’s mission is to raise up fervent followers of Jesus Christ who will reach out and impact communities, cities and nations for the Kingdom of God. We are all missionaries!

•_                     Invite people to reflect on which of the three response areas (prayer, going, giving) is their next step.

•_                     Encourage sign-ups for missions, Partnership In Mission giving, or prayer involvement.

NEXT STEPS (Optional Activity)

Invite each group member to reflect and write down one way they can let the Holy Spirit flow through them this month—through prayer, generosity, serving, or sharing their faith.

CLOSING PRAYER

(You can pray this aloud or invite a group member to read it.)

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the vision of Your river—a river that brings healing, life, and transformation wherever it flows. Thank You for placing Your Spirit within us and calling us to be Your vessels. Help us not to stay ankle-deep in faith, but to step deeper—trusting You, surrendering to You, and flowing with Your Spirit. Stir our hearts to pray, to go, and to give so that Your kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. May the life of Christ overflow from us into our families, communities, and to the nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.