One of the best things about camping is the campfire late at night after a full day of hiking. Sitting around and reminiscing about old times or telling stories makes the trip memorable. Putting that fire out when everyone is ready to go to bed can be challenging. Even the following day, you can stoke the coals and resurrect the fire. You have to drench that fire to make it go out. Many Christians do that exact thing regarding the Holy Spirit working in their church. Paul tells us, “Don’t quench the Spirit.”
1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-21
“Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.”
Fan the Flame
The Holy Spirit was given to us as a helper and guide. He is there to convict us of sin and reveal God’s Word. Too many churches have taken too much liberty when it comes to the workings of the Spirit, and too many have throttled His work in response. Paul tells the church, “Don’t quench the Spirit.” The Spirit is likened to a burning flame, and we are to fan the flame as opposed to snuffing it out. Churches do that when they don’t let gifts like prophecy be used.
Work Freely
Many disciples of Christ don’t let the Holy Spirit work in their hearts because they are ignorant or afraid. It’s much safer to keep things under control rather than let Him work freely. All of us have been guilty, but we quench the fire that Jesus wants to build inside of us when we do that. Don’t let your fears or training prevent you from letting the Spirit work in your life.
Don’t Quench the Spirit
While fanning the flame into a roaring fire, it is essential to examine everything carefully. There are false doctrines and teachers out there that are dead set on trying to manipulate the Spirit for their selfish purposes. Resist them and lean on the Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment. The church needs a fresh outpouring of the Spirit to minister in these times. Don’t quench the Spirit.