Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophecies, but examine all things; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
Observation | As we work our way through the six imperatives (commands) of the Lord, perhaps the least clear of them is now before us. It is at moments like these that I am thankful for what is called the “rule of faith,” a rule closely related to the sufficiency of scripture << Learn more about scriptures sufficiency here >>. The rule of faith says “scripture interprets scripture.” If you want to understand Holy Scripture, the best place to gain clarification is a study in Scripture itself.
The command in review today is “do not quench the Spirit.” It is just simply stated with no details. Some have said it is in reference to the next command “do not despise prophecies.” However, this is not likely as these verses are setup in a list, and each of command is separate. The first three commands are each set apart relating to different non-stop positive actions. Then the last three are different restrictions of what not to do. That is, it is grammatically unnecessary to connect the two “do nots” as the Author of Hebrews would have done so if that was His point. As a result, “do not quench the Spirit” stands alone. So, how do we understand what this peculiar statement means?
First, we look to who we are told not to “quench.” Literally the original Greek reads “the Spirit,” (τὸ πνεῦμα – to pnuma). The capitalization in our English comes from our translators, not the original. Why capitalize? Because the definite article (the word “the”) turns this from a possible “our spirit” or an unspecified spirit, to “THE Spirit.” The definite article turns the word into a title, and refers to the Spirit of the trinity who lives in all true believers. God’s Spirit in us then, is who we not to “quench.”
Second, we look to understand what it is to “quench” the Spirit. The word quench means “to extinguish a fire.” So, we have some sort of imagery set before us here. The question is, what truth is being taught by this image (2 Pt 1:20–21). A further study of God’s Spirit reveals that His presence and activity are repeatedly pictured with fire (Ex. 3:2–6; 13:21; Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16; Ac 2:3–4). In addition, Jesus letter to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3 pictures good deeds that glorify God as “hot” (3:15–16). The “zeal” (ζηλεύω zēleuō) Jesus calls for in repentance from being “lukewarm” is also rooted in the word for “hot” (3:19 – ζέω zeō). This is fitting regarding the work of the Holy Spirit who “convicts the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).”
So, if to “quench” means “to extinguish a fire,” then the fire we are not to extinguish is the presence and working of the Holy Spirit in us and others. His work of repentance, zeal for good works and holy living. This imagery is fitting, as in the same way when you are very passionate about something, and speak of it to someone else, their response could be described as “putting out your fire.” Except the Holy Spirit is always passionate and on fire for the things of God in our lives. It is sad to think that we both intentionally and unintentionally “put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.” God commands that we are not to do this (1 Thess 5:19).
Further study: Ephesians 4:30 commands us not to grieve the Spirit. Yes, that means God is sad when His people sin, resist His leading and live lukewarm lives. Scripture also says we are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18) and walk by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16). That means we are to follow the ways of holy living set forth in Scripture for us, as this is the path the Holy Spirit always leads us on.
Application | How have you “put out the fire” of the Holy Spirit in you? Have you found ways to silenced and rationalize away His convictions? His passion? His zeal? Or is the fire of the Spirit of God burning in you for the things of God and His Word? Turn to the truth of God’s Word as you ask the Spirit to fan into flame His zeal and passion in you. Study the scriptures. And practice the presence of God << See also “pray without ceasing” >> as you walk in step with the Holiness of the Spirit of God in you, if you truly believe.
Prayer | Father, in the flesh and in this world cursed by sin I have all too often resisted the leading of Your Spirit. Help me to grow in my study of Your Word, that the Spirit would be able to lead me clearly along the ancient and holy paths of good deeds you have prepared for me. Let me not quench Your Spirit, but fan into flame a zeal for Your will and Your ways. All for Your glory alone. Amen.
