Theologian Lewis Sperry Chafer explains that the
Christian quenches the Holy Spirit “by any unyieldedness to the revealed will
of God. It is simply saying ‘no’ to God, and so is closely related to matters
of divine appointments for service” (He
That Is Spiritual, page 86). After instructing his fellow Christians not to
quench the Spirit, the apostle Paul makes clear the aim of the Spirit in the
life of the Christian, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through
and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
To be sanctified means to be made holy or
consecrated to God. The aim of the Holy Spirit is to lead every Christian to a sanctified
life “through and through.” When this is resisted, the Spirit is quenched.
What do the following Scriptures reveal about God’s
will for every Christian?
Romans 12:1-2--
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 5:18----
John 20:21; Acts 1:8--
Application
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 for the context of
the command “Do not quench the Spirit.”
5:12--
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to acknowledge and honor those who care for
you spiritually?
5:14--
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to warn the idle, encourage the disheartened,
help the weak, be patient with everyone and forgive anyone who has wronged you?
5:15--
What opportunities to strive for good has God opened to you?
5:16-18--
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to rejoice always, pray continually and give
thanks in all circumstances?
5:19-22--
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to dig deeper into the Scriptures?
Memorize This
Galatians 5:16— So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify
the desires of the flesh. NIV
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