Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (KJV)
The Bible frequently likens the Holy Spirit to a flame (Isa. 4:4; Matt. 3:11; Acts 2:3-4). He warms the heart, enlightens the mind, and empowers people’s spirits. It is the effective working of the Holy Spirit that Paul warned against hindering. His fire in corporate settings and in individuals can be diminished or even snuffed out if He is resisted. The Holy Spirit’s working can be opposed by believers. It is this that Paul warned against.
Now, since we know that the Holy Spirit is God, how can individuals quench or hinder the working of the Holy Spirit? Having pastored for more than forty years I have seen many ways that people put a wet blanket on the fire of the Spirit. The first and most obvious is unbelief which shows up in many ways; such as skepticism, stubbornness, pride, and sin in the life through unrepentance, etc. There were times when the Spirit was powerfully anointing in a church service but the program was more important than God’s program.
Then, on the other hand, I have experienced times when a body of believers totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s working. In such instances, people were gloriously saved from sin; people were healed of diseases; and joy reigned supreme. I have experienced it all alone in my private times of prayer; in small gatherings and in huge arenas. Wherever people are willing to yield to the Spirit of the living God, the blessings of the Almighty will happen.
None of us should ever be guilty of “quenching the Spirit of God.” Jesus said in John 16:13-14,
“When the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”
Do you want the Holy Spirit to be your Comforter, Friend, Teacher, and Guide? If so, then never be guilty of quenching the Spirit. Also, if you walk in the Spirit, you will NOT fulfill the lust of the flesh. Amen and amen.
