DON’T QUENCH THE SPIRIT

DON’T QUENCH THE SPIRIT

1Th. 5:16-19 ¶ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ¶ Do not quench the Spirit.

I’ll never forget the first time I was used in a public meeting with the gifts of the Spirit. It was an outdoor service on a Sunday night in Kerman, California and I had been feeling an unusual measure of His presence upon me that night. I had several scriptures that kept “coming” to me and I was wondering if this was what is was like to be used in the gift of prophesy. I could not seem to muster up the courage to deliver the word, but The Lord gave me a confirming sign that He wanted me to step out. The minister leading the service called on me to lead in prayer, I could no longer hesitate in giving that word, I delivered the word and experienced a powerful blessing from just yielding in obedience to The Lord. In today’s secular atmosphere, the gifts of the Spirit have been set aside. Many churches will say they believe in the gifts yet the use of them is very, very rare. Paul told us not to quench the Spirit, I’m afraid that is exactly what we have done. Here is a quote from R. T. Kendall’s book on Holy Fire warning about not quenching the gifts of the Spirit.

“Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19, ESV). “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” What is the difference between grieving the Spirit and quenching the Spirit? They almost certainly overlap. But if there is a difference, it is probably this: we grieve the Spirit by our relationships with one another—like judging and unforgiveness; we quench the Spirit when we are prejudiced toward the way the Spirit may be manifesting Himself and by not respecting His presence. It is usually fear that lies behind quenching the Holy Spirit.
Whether we hold that the Holy Spirit does not, will not, or cannot manifest today through the gifts of the Spirit or the miraculous, by adhering to cessationism, the Holy Spirit is put to one side before He is given an opportunity to show His power.”

I think Brother Kendall put his finger right on the source of the problem in today’s church world. The issue is fear. Church leaders are afraid of allowing or encouraging the gifts of the Spirit because they are afraid things may get out of control. This may stem partially from having a strict agenda for the service that can’t be strayed from.
Thinking back at that first time for me I learned several key things about the gifts. I learned to recognize and yield to church leaders, that the gifts of the Spirit are closely related to scripture, and His anointing is critical in the manifestation of the gifts. So I have to join with Paul and say: don’t quench the Spirit. Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.