Verse of the Day 11/22

Verse of the Day 11/22

1 Thessalonians 5:19  Do not quench the Spirit.  English Standard Version (ESV)

For today's verse we've returned to 1 Thessalonians 5 to Paul's benediction to the church in which he gives them and us a number of short statements that should be easy to memorize but difficult to continually put into practice.  Most often we probably think of the word "quench" in relation to satisfying or putting out a thirst or perhaps a fire.  The Holy Spirit is what sets our hearts afire in devotion and service to our Lord, it is something that we don't want to be quenched our squelched.

The Message below says "don't suppress the Spirit" and "don't stifle".  It is a picture of restricting something, keeping it  from showing it's full colors or being evident in full measure.  John MacArthur writes that "the fire of God's Spirit is not to be doused with sin."  When you think about it, sin is the biggest thing to quench or  douse the Spirit.  It can happen from sins of "commission", things that we do; or "omission", not doing the things that the Spirit has prompted to do but we decide not to do.

Paul writes elsewhere that we are not to "grieve" the Holy Spirit but be controlled by it, yielding to His promptings, which is walking by the Spirit.   We may not be able to quickly memorize the "verses" that go along with it, but hopefully, we can memorize this short verse and allow us to recall what it means to us and for us.

Ephesians 4:30^" And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."   English Standard Version (ESV)

Ephesians 5:18 ^"Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,"   New Living Translation (NLT)

Galatians 5:16^"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."  New Living Translation (NLT)

If the Holy Spirit prompts you to do something for someone today, don't quench the Spirit, act upon it, do it.  To God be the glory.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit.  Amplified Bible (AMP)

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22The Message (MSG)

^19-22 Don't suppress the Spirit, and don't stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.