William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Still observe, 1. The coherence and connection: he that would rejoice evermore, must pray without ceasing; and he that would rejoice in every thing, must be thankful in every thing; and he that would rejoice, pray, and give thanks continually, must evermore keep the Spirit unquenched; the way to keep one's self warm, is to keep the fire burning; Quench not the Spirit; that is, neither the graces of the Spirit nor the motions of the Spirit.

Note here, 1. That the Holy Spirit of God in man is of the nature of fire, as fire, it enlighteneth, it enliveneth, it warmeth, it consumeth, it purifieth and refineth, it ascendeth upward.

Note, 2. That this holy fire of the Spirit may be quenched; the gifts, graces, motions, and comforts of the Holy Spirit are of such. nature, that if they be not cherished, they are quenched: Fire will go out as well by neglecting it, as by casting water upon it.

Note, 3. That it must be. Christian's special care, that the graces of God's Holy Spirit be not quenched in him, nor any of its motions resisted by him. Sin in general quenches the Spirit, as water quenches fire: particularly, sins committed against knowledge and conscience; inordinate love of the world quenches the Spirit, as earth will extinguish fire as well as water.

A cold, customary, formal performance of holy duties, without the exercise of lively faith and holy love in the performance of them, will grieve and quench the Spirit, expecially sensual lusts indulged, and anger, malice, and revenge harboured in the heart: the holy Dove will not rest upon that man that has the heart of. vulture in his breast and bosom; and let us always remember,if we quench the Spirit in his motions, he is also quenched by us in his offices; he doth us many good offices; in prayer, he is our helper, our assistant, he quickens to the duty, and in the duty, and helps our infirmities, and makes intercession for us in our Christian course; he guides us, comforts us and bears witness to our integrity in us: all these good offices will he cease to do for us, if he be quenched in us.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Old Testament

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