Definition and Context:
Stifling, in a biblical context, refers to the act of suppressing, quenching, or hindering the expression or movement of something, often related to spiritual growth, truth, or the work of the Holy Spirit. It can also imply a sense of suffocation or restriction that prevents the flourishing of faith or righteousness.

Biblical References:

1. Quenching the Spirit:
The Apostle Paul warns against stifling the work of the Holy Spirit in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Do not quench the Spirit." This verse highlights the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to operate freely within the believer's life and the church. Quenching the Spirit can occur through disobedience, neglect of spiritual gifts, or resistance to God's guidance.

2. Suppressing the Truth:
Romans 1:18 speaks of those who "suppress the truth by their wickedness." This stifling of truth is a deliberate act of rejecting God's revelation and righteousness, leading to spiritual blindness and moral decay. The suppression of truth is a significant theme in Scripture, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God's commands.

3. Hindering the Gospel:
In Galatians 5:7, Paul addresses the Galatians, saying, "You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" Here, the stifling influence is seen in false teachings and legalism that obstruct the believers' progress in faith. The apostle emphasizes the need to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, free from any hindrance.

4. Choking the Word:
The Parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:22, describes how the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth can "choke the word, making it unfruitful." This stifling effect prevents the Word of God from taking root and bearing fruit in a person's life, illustrating the dangers of worldly distractions and priorities.

5. Restricting Spiritual Growth:
Hebrews 5:12-14 addresses the issue of spiritual immaturity, where believers are stifled in their growth due to a lack of understanding and application of God's Word. The passage encourages moving beyond elementary teachings to maturity, highlighting the need for continual growth and development in the faith.

Theological Implications:

Stifling, as depicted in Scripture, is often associated with resistance to God's will and the hindrance of spiritual progress. It serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant against influences that can suppress their faith and obedience. The Bible calls for an open heart and a willing spirit to embrace the fullness of God's work, allowing His truth and Spirit to lead and transform lives.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Stifle.

The Method of Grace
... and have some convictions and inclinations to repent; but it seems that the false
prophets, the false priests, went about stifling people's convictions, and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the method of grace.htm

Whitefield -- the Method of Grace
... and have some convictions and inclinations to repent; but it seems that the false
prophets, the false priests, went about stifling people's convictions, and ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/whitefield the method of.htm

At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda.
... But as one longs to escape from the stifling atmosphere of a scene of worldly pomp,
with its glitter and unreality, into the clearness of the evening-air, so ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii at the unknown.htm

Oh, How He Loves!
... and so on, in the midst of sermons and prayers; yet I would sooner have a measure
of that enthusiastic noise than have you constantly stifling your natural ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 56 1910/oh how he loves.htm

Preface.
... In these days of stifling materialism in philosophy, and withering naturalism in
theology, but in which also the Holy Spirit, far and wide, is breathing upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moule/to my younger brethren/preface.htm

Vesalius the Anatomist {9}
... It is a darkened chamber in the College of Alcala, in the year 1562, where lies,
probably in a huge four-post bed, shrouded in stifling hangings, the heir ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/vesalius the anatomist 9.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... But the heart is saddened, and the joy of seeing this fresh burst of resurrection"
loveliness is clouded, when we turn to gloomy, stifling courts and lanes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Washed to Greater Foulness
... He feels that he can hold out no longer. He can scarcely take breath; the air grows
hot and stifling around him, as he faces the question"what next? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/washed to greater foulness.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... Blinded, with scarf and kerchief wrapped over mouth and nostril, the fleeing
party swept down upon the very heart of that stifling mystery. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

Europeans in India.
... native, and well-nigh unendurable for Europeans"a heat uncompensated by the coolness
of the night, for in the North-West, at least, the stifling closeness of ...
/.../chapter xxx europeans in india.htm

Stifling (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Stifle. Multi-Version Concordance
Stifling (1 Occurrence). Amos 1:11 Thus says Yahweh ...
/s/stifling.htm - 6k

Stifled (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Stifle. 2. (a.) Stifling.
Multi-Version Concordance Stifled (2 Occurrences). Luke 8:14 ...
/s/stifled.htm - 7k

Stigmatized (1 Occurrence)

/s/stigmatized.htm - 7k

Heart (1223 Occurrences)
... confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and
ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of ...
/h/heart.htm - 49k

Jerusalem (782 Occurrences)
... days occur in May and from the middle of September until the end of October, when
the dry southeast winds-the sirocco-blow hot and stifling from over the ...
/j/jerusalem.htm - 89k

Is God a cosmic killjoy? | GotQuestions.org

Stifling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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