1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. I. THE OBJECT TO WHICH THIS EXHORTATION RELATES. Not the essence of the Spirit, or His inherent attributes, but His agency. 1. This agency is symbolized by fire. "He shall baptize you," etc. (Acts 2:1-3). (1) Fire imparts light, so it is the office of the Spirit to impart knowledge. "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened."(2) Fire is employed to purge metals from dross; the Holy Spirit purifies men from sin and makes them holy. In the Old Testament He was "the Spirit of burning;" in the New "the Spirit of holiness."(3) Fire imparts heat: it is the office of the Spirit to kindle in the soul emotions which animate and enliven — love, zeal, joy. 2. The value of that agency. Its preciousness is beyond all conception, transforming as it does the state and character and securing the blessings of eternity. 3. The responsibilities attached to it. It is not only a gift, it is a stewardship; it is not only a privilege, it is a talent, to be cherished and improved. II. THE EVILS WHICH THE EXHORTATION DEPRECATES. The Spirit may he quenched — 1. By the want of a due recognition of His agency. (1) A Christian may be tempted in his own case to ascribe that to himself which is really the result of Divine grace. (2) He may be tempted in the case of others to disbelieve in the existence of the Divine work in spite of evidence, either in individual characters, or masses affected by revivals of religion. Wherever there is this guilty incredulity there is a refusal to the Spirit of the attributes due to Him. 2. By a want of holy separation from the world. The great design of the Christian vocation is holiness, and this is the one purpose of the operations of the Divine Spirit (John 17:14-20; Ephesians 5:7-15). If, then, a Christian permits himself to be so trammelled by earthly things as to conceal his character; if he allows his affections to be earthly; if he practices secular vocations which are forbidden, or pursues lawful ones inordinately; if he mingles in scenes of worldly frivolity or worse, what becomes of the fire kindled in his heart? Of course its light becomes faint, and its heat cools. 3. By a want of mutual forbearance and love." The fruit of the Spirit is love," etc. The indulgence, therefore, of angry passions is incompatible with the influence of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-32). Here is the condemnation of the strife of sects, of unbrotherly conduct in a given Church, of family quarrels, of all unneighbourliness. 4. By neglect of the Word of God and prayer. The Word of God comprises the record and its proclamation, both of which are under the influence of the Spirit. To neglect to read the one or to hear the other is a sure method of quenching the Spirit, who convinces, converts, sanctifies, etc., by each. So with prayer, private, domestic, congregational. III. THE BLESSINGS WHICH COMPLIANCE WITH THIS EXHORTATION WILL SECURE. If Christians do not quench the Spirit, if they rightly apprehend the nature of the Spirit's agency — illuminating, etc.; if they do homage to it by nonconformity to the world; if they cultivate love; if they render a right regard to the Word of God and prayer they will secure — 1. The eminent prosperity and happiness of their own souls. We shall become firm in faith, pure in life, glowing in love, burning in zeal. We shall not be dwarfish, stunted plants, but as trees planted by rivers of water; others will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, and "the very God of Peace will sanctify us wholly." And this prosperity will be our happiness. We shall thus walk in the light of God's countenance, enjoy His comforting, gladdening friendship here; be animated by a sure hope, and finally enter into the joy of the Lord. 2. The true glory of the Church. This glory does not consist in high sounding ecclesiastical pretensions, in pompous ritual, but in humility, holiness, stedfastness to truth, etc. Let Christians cherish and honour the Spirit and they will secure the beauty, spirituality, and splendour of the Church. 3. The rapid diffusion of religion. As the Church becomes more holy and prayerful obstacles will disappear, revived energy will be given and exerted and nations will be born in a day. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Quench not the Spirit. |
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