1Thessalonians 5:19 (KJV) “
Our Scriptural text is one of Apostle Paul’s short but powerful exhortations to the believers in Thessalonica, to help them maintain their spiritual health. The Thessalonian church was young, vibrant, and full of spiritual enthusiasm. The Holy Spirit was actively working among them through spiritual gifts, prophecies, and strong communal fellowship. However, some believers began to restrict genuine spiritual expressions (like speaking in unknown tongues, prophecy, and fervent worship) out of fear or misunderstanding. It was on this background that Apostle Paul wrote saying, “Quench not the Spirit.” The Passion Translation (TPT) says, “Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.”
The word “quench” means to extinguish, to put out, or to suppress, much like putting out a flame. Since the Holy Spirit is often symbolized by fire (Acts 2:3; Mat. 3:11), Paul is warning believers not to put out the fire of the Spirit within them. Don’t neglect anything that ignites the fire and power of God in you. For example, the Bible says, “tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!” (James 5:16; TPT). So, place great value on a lifestyle of PRAYER. Also, the Bible says, “the Word of God is living and powerful” or “full of power” (Heb. 4:12) and “full of fire” (Jer 23:29). Therefore, the intake of the Word of God ignites the fire of the Holy Ghost in us.
Now, while we engage in the things that can help us stir the fire of God in us, we must also desist from the things that result in spiritual coldness and lukewarmness. The principal of them all is SIN and the love for this present world. Sin grieves and quenches the Holy Spirit. When sin is tolerated, guilt and spiritual distance from God sets in, and the fire of the Spirit is suppressed. Quench not the Spirit!
Written by: Pastor Andrew A Esemudje