Stop Quenching the Spirit (μὴ σβέννυτε)

“Quenching” involves the ceasing of a function by extinguishing it.

The term "quench" in Scripture is used in various contexts. In Matthew 12:20, it refers to not extinguishing a "smoking flax," and in Matthew 25:8, it pertains to not putting out a lamp. By faith, the saints of old were able to "quench the violence of fire" (Hebrews 11:34). On the other hand, for those who reject the truth of the Gospel and refuse salvation, they will find themselves in a place where "their worm does not die" (Mark 9:44). The "worm" in this passage symbolizes the sin nature. They will reside in a place where the craving from the sin nature will never be satisfied and will continue indefinitely.

As Christians, we have been given tools in Christ that empower us to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16). These darts represent the enemy's attempts to provoke us into acting independently from God. He tries to persuade us to harbor bitterness, embrace disappointment, dwell in discouragement, lie, steal, gossip, or behave in any way that contradicts our identity in Christ. These attacks are rightly called "fiery darts" because when they penetrate, they ignite turmoil within us, seeking to consume our thoughts and influence our actions. Yet, the shield of faith is fully capable of quenching every one of these fiery attacks.

We are instructed not to "quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Holy Spirit influences us through our desires (Galatians 5:17). He gives us desires that oppose the cravings of our flesh, where the sin nature resides. When we quench the Holy Spirit, we are choosing to reject His desires in favor of the flesh’s yearnings. However, by applying the truth, we can gain victory over our sin nature (John 8:32; Romans 6:4-6,11,13). We then pursue the righteous desires the Spirit gives us (Galatians 5:25), allowing us to walk in the newness of life we have in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:4), thereby ceasing to quench His influence.