“Do not quench the Spirit.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Main Thought: When we think of something being quenched, it normally is a good thing. We quench our thirst with a cold drink, or when we hear of a fire or blaze being quenched it is something that has preserved property or a home, and perhaps even saved a life. But when we read these words, Paul is not speaking of quenching in a good way. The Holy Spirit has been given to all of us as believers, sealing us to the Father (Eph. 1:13), giving us assurance that we are the children of God (Rom. 8:15-16), equipping us for service in the Church (1 Cor. 12-14) and the displaying in our lives of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). These scriptures point to what happens when the Holy Spirit is quenched: we begin to doubt our salvation and lose the assurance of our relationship to Christ, our service to other believers and the church becomes ineffective, and the fruit of the Spirit becomes less evident to the unbelieving world, causing not transforming into the image of Christ, but a conforming to the world and losing our witness for Christ. How do we not quench the Spirit? We continue to do those things that are pleasing to God, that He has commanded us to do in His Word. First of all, we saturate our hearts and minds with His Word (Ps. 1:1-3; 119:9-11). Then, we make daily prayer a priority, confessing our sins and going to His throne for grace and fellowshipping with God in His presence (Heb. 4:14-16). Next, we make sure we are a part of a congregation that makes its focus the glory of God, the preaching of the Word and the Gospel, and Christ-centered living (Heb. 10:24-25). And last, we make sure we are not neglecting the Lord’s Supper, which causes us to examine ourselves and reminds us of the breaking of His body and the shedding of His blood for our sins (1 Cor. 11:23-34). In doing these practical things revealed to us plainly in the scriptures, we are not allowing worldliness and complacency to come in and quench the work and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May each one of us who know Christ be diligent daily in our Christian walk and make not quenching the Spirit a constant priority.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 15:1-2
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Isaiah 41:17-18
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” – Isaiah 41:17-18