1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 Quench not the Spirit. These three verses refer to one subject, the extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit so frequent in the Church at this period, but apply likewise to his ordinary influence in believers. I. THE SIN AND DANGER OF QUENCHING THE SPIRIT. "Quench not the Spirit." Perhaps there was a tendency to repress spiritual utterances, either because they had become fanatical, or from an undue love of order. It is possible to resist the Spirit. God strives with man, who may yet resist all his importunities (Acts 7:51.), "insulting the Spirit of grace" (Hebrews 10:29). Even in the case of believers, "the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh" (Galatians 5:17). It is both sinful and dangerous for believers to "grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby they are scaled to the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). The text suggests the idea of quenching a fire. 1. The Spirit acts upon the believer's nature like a fire, warming, purifying, refining. 2. The fire may be quenched by neglecting it quite as much as by casting water upon it. This is the tendency of neglect. 3. Sin has a tendency to quench the Spirit, as water quenches fire. We ought to stir up our gifts and graces that they may shine the brighter, and give both light and heat around us. Yet provision is made in the covenant of grace that the fire once kindled will never be quenched. II. THERE MUST BE NO UNDERVALUATION OF PROPHESYINGS. "Despise not prophesying." 1. These were spiritual utterances, sometimes in psalms and hymns, "for the edification and exhortation and comfort" of believers, though they had the effect sometimes of laying bare the hearts of unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:25). They were more important than other gifts of the Spirit, and therefore more to be coveted (1 Corinthians 12:31). 2. They were, therefore, not to be despised. (1) Perhaps there had been "false prophets" at Thessalonica who had tried to pervert the truth, or weak members who had abused the gift of prophecy. The tendency, therefore, to underrate the gift was natural, but not proper. (2) Perhaps the exercise of this gift created less wonder or made less visible impression than other gifts, like those of tongues and healing. Therefore it came to be rather despised. III. THE NECESSITY OF TESTING SPIRITUAL GIFTS. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Instead of rejecting prophesyings, they were to test them by a due spiritual discernment. 1. They were to be tested: (1) By a comparison with the original tradition given to them (2 Thessalonians 2:2). (2) By a comparison with the prophesyings of others who sat as judges (1 Corinthians 14:29). There was, besides, a supernatural gift of "discerning of spirits" (1 Corinthians 12:10, 14, 29). (3) By marking the practical fruits of these prophesyings. "Hold fast that which is good." Our Lord said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 5:15, 16). True doctrine is "according to godliness" (1 Timothy 6:3). Thus Christians are to examine the grounds of their faith, to hold fast nothing that has not first been tried, and to retain only "that which is good." 2. Believers have the capacity as well as the right to test all things. They are "to try the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). (1) They are the spiritual; "they judge all things, yet they themselves are judged of no man "(1 Corinthians 2:15). They have "an unction from the Holy One, and they know all things" (1 John 2:20). (2) A right state of heart is necessary to this power of insight. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God" (John 7:17). "Walk as children of light... proving what is acceptable unto God" (Ephesians 5:8-10). - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Quench not the Spirit. |
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