Messengers of the GospelSample

Don’t Quench the Spirit

Do not quench the Spirit.

(1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV)

When was the last time you sat by a campfire? If you were lucky, it involved great friends, hot chocolate, and marshmallow s’mores! You can probably still imagine the fire's warmth and flickering light. Now, think about what that fire looks like when it is extinguished at the end of the night. The steam sizzles as water is poured on the fire, and the smoke rises. When quenched with water, the campfire is reduced to soaking-wet pieces of wood.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy) warn that the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives can be quenched. Over the last few days, we have discussed the blessings and benefits of living with the Holy Spirit inside us. The Holy Spirit is a gift given to us by God, and any risk of quenching His presence in our lives is something that we need to take seriously.

The imagery of fire should not surprise us. Throughout the Bible, the presence of the Lord was often accompanied and represented by fire. The fire of the Lord’s presence showed up in the Tabernacle (Leviticus 9:23-24) and the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-3). It was a clear and visible sign that He was in their midst, and the people worshiped and praised the Lord. After the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was poured out on those gathered together in the upper room. The imagery of fire was once again right there, accompanying God’s presence. (Acts 2:1-4)

With the fire of the Lord’s presence on display, it was easy for everyone to know that something supernatural was happening. As disciples of Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in each of us, and we should not do anything to quench the fire that burns within us.

What can quench the Holy Spirit?

In 1 Thessalonians 5, the warning about quenching the Spirit is sandwiched between a few related topics. Just before the warning, there is an encouragement to live a lifestyle full of worship.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

Following the warning is a set of more specific warnings about how we respond to prophecy.

“Do not treat prophecies with contempt” (1 Thessalonians 5:20 NIV)

Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit to build up the Church. To treat the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and direction given through prophecy as worthless is rooted in pride. The writers are making it clear that the Holy Spirit is not a force or a thing but a person. He responds to our response to Him.

Put yourself in His shoes for a minute. How do you feel when people invite you to join them and welcome you warmly? How do you respond when people disrespect you and laugh at your words?

We fan the flame of the Holy Spirit when we humble ourselves in worship, invite Him to speak, and respond to His guidance with obedience. On the other hand, we quench the fire of the Holy Spirit within us by ignoring, mocking, or treating His gifts, guidance, and voice in our lives as worthless. We can quench the Holy Spirit when we ignore His warnings and walk back into sin.

In our spiritual lives, just like in a fireplace, we must care for the fire that burns. We fan the flame of the Holy Spirit when we worship the Lord each day. There may be times, though, that we find we have quenched the Spirit in some way. When that occurs, we must remove the soaked material and bring fresh fuel to the fire of the Holy Spirit through confession, repentance, and worship. Confession takes place when you talk with God about sinful behaviors, thoughts, or attitudes that have taken place in your life and ask Him to forgive you. Repentance is turning away from your sinful path and returning to God’s path. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Remove any water-soaked logs in your spiritual life today and add some fresh fuel to the fire. Invite the Holy Spirit to make His presence known in your life today.

Reflection:

Is there anything in your life quenching the fire of the Holy Spirit?

Is there something lacking in your life that can fan the flames of the Holy Spirit?

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and direction today as you read and reflect.