How to Put out a Fire
HOW TO PUT OUT A FIRE
1 Thessalonians 5:19 (King James Version)
Quench not the Spirit.
- The works of NATURE, and the works of GRACE have the same author.
- In fact, the works of nature exemplify the works of grace.
- Most everything we see in nature is a picture of some religious truth.
- The HOLY GHOST is shewed forth by several things in nature.
o In the Lord's conversation w/ Nicodemus = the wind
o In the Lord's conversation w/ Samaritan woman = the water
o In our text this morning = the fire
- All of the properties and effects of fire are applicable to the Holy Spirit of God.
o Fire penetrates & searches
§ (He pierces into our heart and searches the hidden places)
o Fire destroys
§ (He consumes our corruptions)
o Fire refines
§ (He purifies & sanctifies)
o Fire produces heat & light
§ (He illuminates & warms)
o Fire contributes to our comfort
§ (He is the "Comforter")
- Now, the Bible says:
" "Walk in the Spirit"
" "Be filled with the Spirit"
" "Grieve not the Spirit"
" "Quench not the Spirit" - Let's examine that last phrase.
- Just as fire may be quenched in many ways, so also the Holy Ghost.
I. Holy Ghost MAY BE QUENCHED BY CASTING WATER UPON IT
- This is one of the quickest ways to put out
A. fire.
This I compare to willful sin. Knowing, willful sin will very quickly quench the Holy Spirit.
- 2 Samuel 11:1-3 (King James Version)
1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
II. Holy Ghost MAY BE QUENCHED BY A SEPARATION OF THE PARTS
- A slower way to quench a fire, but a way nonetheless.
A. This we apply, of course, to divisions.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (King James Version)
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
III. Holy Ghost MAY BE QUENCHED BY WITHHOLDING FUEL
- Also a slower way to put out a fire, but it does kill a fire.
A. This would be compared to neglect.
- James 4:17 (King James Version)
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. - Galatians 6:8 (King James Version)
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.