Holy Spirit

In my “formal” morning time with God today (some call it quiet time, others “discipline of solitude”), I was impressed with the Scriptures that spoke of quenching, grieving or as the NLT renders it “stifle” the Holy Spirit.

The questions arose: who is the Holy Spiritr; what does He do; how is He quenched and what does quench or grieve mean.

Who is He? Jesus introduces Him in John 14 and 16 as the parakletos, the advocate. John 14:15-17a “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, (Jesus was the first) who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth….

Parakletos refers to counselor, comforter in modern day application. The old English meaning may be more accurate: “someone who strengthens – an encourager.” He is the third person of the Trinity whose operation is encouraging, instructing, strengthening, convicting, guiding – all according to John 16, to bring glory to Christ

It doesn’t seem very productive to quench or grieve Someone who is doing such significant work in my life. So, I better learn what those words mean and how they function.
Vine’s Dictionary describes “grieve – to cause pain or grief, to distress.” Quench is rendered “to hinder an operation.” How do I hinder or cause pain to the Holy Spirit? Allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves.

The command: 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

Scriptural contexts are Isaiah 63:10 – rebellion. Psalm 51:11 – David’s adultry and murder.

Possibly the most descriptive passage for grieving the Holy Spirit is found in Ephesians 4:20-32 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I appreciate the Holy Spirit’s guidance, comfort, instruction and encouragement. I’d prefer not quenching His work in my life. How about you? I hope that this brief study is helpful to you.