Quench Not The Spirit Series

QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:30, Isaiah 63:10, Acts 7:51, Galatians 5:16-17, Romans 8:14

INTRODUCTION:

The Holy Spirit is the life wire of every believer’s walk with God. Without Him, the Christian life becomes empty, powerless, and routine. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul gives a sharp and simple command: "Quench not the Spirit." This reveals that it is possible for a believer to stifle, suppress, or hinder the flow and work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

To "quench" means to extinguish, to put out a fire. The Holy Spirit is likened to fire in Scripture (Acts 2:3), and when believers live in disobedience, unbelief, or carnality, they are essentially putting out that fire. God wants us to live lives that are constantly ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

This sermon is a call to believers to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, to avoid the actions and attitudes that hinder Him, and to fan into flame the fire of God within. If you quench the Spirit, you lose divine direction, intimacy with God, and spiritual vitality.

1. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WHY IS HE IMPORTANT?

Understanding the Person of the Holy Spirit helps us value His presence and avoid grieving or quenching Him.

a) The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead (John 14:16–17):

He is not a force or feeling but a divine Person who dwells within believers.

b) He is the believer’s Comforter and Helper (Romans 8:26):

Without Him, we are spiritually handicapped.

c) He teaches and reveals divine truth (John 16:13):

We cannot understand God’s will without Him.

d) He empowers us to live victoriously (Acts 1:8):

The Christian life is impossible without His power.

Biblical Example: Jesus Himself was filled and led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1), demonstrating our dependence on the Spirit for effective living.

2. HOW BELIEVERS QUENCH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Many believers unknowingly hinder the Spirit by attitudes, words, or lifestyle.

a) Through deliberate sin and rebellion (Isaiah 63:10):

Sin shuts down the flow of the Spirit and invites judgment.

b) Through disobedience to God’s instructions (Acts 7:51):

When we resist His promptings, we stifle His work.

c) By embracing carnality over spirituality (Galatians 5:17):

The flesh and the Spirit are always in conflict.

d) Through unbelief and doubt (Hebrews 3:12):

A heart that constantly doubts quenches the flame of the Spirit.

Biblical Example: King Saul quenched the Spirit by disobeying God repeatedly. Eventually, the Spirit of God departed from him (1 Samuel 15:22–28; 16:14).

3. SIGNS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS BEING QUENCHED

When the fire is going out, certain signs become evident in a believer's life.

a) Loss of spiritual hunger and passion (Revelation 2:4):

You no longer desire prayer, the Word, or fellowship.

b) Diminished conviction of sin (John 16:8):

You sin without feeling remorse or repentance.

c) Powerlessness in prayer and service (2 Timothy 3:5):

You have a form of godliness but deny its power.

d) Lack of divine direction and peace (Isaiah 30:21):

You feel spiritually confused or disconnected.

Biblical Example: The Laodicean church thought they were rich, but Jesus said they were lukewarm and spiritually poor (Revelation 3:15–17).

4. HOW TO KEEP THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BURNING

It is not enough to have the fire once; it must be sustained daily.

a) Daily fellowship with God through prayer and the Word (Acts 2:42):

This feeds your spirit and keeps your flame alive.

b) Obedience to the promptings of the Spirit (Romans 8:14):

The more you obey, the more the fire grows.

c) Separation from sin and worldly influences (2 Corinthians 6:17):

Holiness keeps the fire pure and unhindered.

d) Regular spiritual fellowship and worship (Hebrews 10:25):

Staying in the company of burning believers keeps you burning.

Biblical Example: Timothy was charged by Paul to fan into flame the gift of God within him through spiritual discipline (2 Timothy 1:6).

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Spirit is God’s divine fire within us, and we must do everything to keep Him burning. When we quench the Spirit, we lose touch with God’s presence and power. But when we honour, obey, and host Him, we live in spiritual vibrancy and fruitfulness.

This message is a call to rekindle your spiritual fire. Examine your life: Have you quenched the Spirit through sin, disobedience, or neglect? Return to the altar, fan the flame, and let the fire burn again. Your life must become a flame that burns bright for God in a dark world.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for giving me the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2. Lord, forgive me in any way I have quenched or resisted Your Spirit.

3. Rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in my heart.