HOW TO PUT OUT A FIRE
1 Thessalonians 5:19


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. 
In the Lord's conversation w/ Nicodemus = the wind 
In the Lord's conversation w/ Samaritan woman = the water 
In our text this morning = the fire

All of the properties and effects of fire are applicable to the Holy Spirit of God. 
Fire penetrates & searches (He pierces into our heart and searches the hidden places) 
Fire destroys (He consumes our corruptions) 
Fire refines (He purifies & sanctifies) 
Fire produces heat & light (He illuminates & warms) 
Fire contributes to our comfort (He is the "Comforter")


The operations of the Holy Ghost of God are two-fold. 
Extraordinary & Miraculous (Apostolic Age) 
Common & Saving (Today)


Remember - 
The common & saving operations of the Holy Spirit are no less real than the extraordinary & miraculous. 
In fact, they are far more glorious in their effect! 
The former dealt primarily with the outward body, the latter deals primarily with the inner man. 

Though we don't see all the miraculous, bodily healings that the first century Christians did - 
We see healings of all our soul's diseases! 

Though we don't see the true miracle of other tongues - 
We see changes in the corrupt communication that proceeds out of mouths! 

Though we don't see the protection that came from ingested poison - 
We see the Spirit attempt to protect from us from ingesting the filth of this world! 

Though we don't see the protection that came after being snake bit - 
We see the protection given us against that old serpent, the Devil! 

Though we don't see the dead raised - 
We see those who were dead in trespasses and sins, alive and living for Jesus! 


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 - FIRE 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. 
Cp - 2 Sam. 11:3 & Psa. 51:11


II - FIRE MAY BE QUENCHED BY CASTING EARTH UPON IT. 
This also is one of the quickest ways to put out a fire. 
This I compare to earthly, worldly living. 
John 15:18-27; John 14:7


III - FIRE MAY BE QUENCHED BY A SEPARATION OF THE PARTS. 
A slower way to quench a fire, but a way nonetheless. 
This we apply, of course, to divisions. 
I Cor. 1:10-13; Philp. 2:1-2; Psa. 133:1


IV - FIRE MAY BE QUENCHED BY WITHHOLDING FUEL. 
Also a slower way to put out a fire, but it does kill a fire. 
This would be compared to neglect. 
James 4:17; Gal. 6:8