Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Don't Quench the Spirit!

Bryan Schneider · July 24, 2021

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

sharonrpc.org/sermons/don-t-quench-the-spirit

Summary

Christians quench the Spirit when they tolerate sin, neglect repentance, or refuse forgiveness.
The Thessalonians were not to despise genuine prophetic speech during the church's apostolic foundation.
Every claimed message must be tested by biblical truth, its confession of Christ, its fruit, and its fulfillment.
Discernment must avoid both gullibility and a proud criticism that rejects every imperfect church or teacher.
Believers must hold fast what is good, abstain from evil, and keep feeding love for Christ through God's Word.

Is unconfessed sin, persistent anger, or unwillingness to forgive cooling my love for Christ?
Do I test teaching by Scripture, or mainly by novelty, personality, preference, or emotional effect?
Has discernment become an excuse for pride, isolation, or contempt toward Christ's church?
What true and good teaching do I need to hold fast when trials make perseverance difficult?

Quench: To suppress the Spirit's sanctifying work by resisting his Word and indulging the works of the flesh.
Prophecy: God-given speech in the apostolic church that had to be received without contempt and tested rather than accepted uncritically.
Discernment: Judging teaching and claimed spiritual speech by Scripture, Christ-centered truth, godly fruit, and faithfulness.