1 Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Do not quench the Spirit.” The Greek word for quench is to suppress, extinguish, or to thwart. Think of snuffing out a burning candle. God often uses His Holy Spirit like a refiner’s fire to reveal hidden dross in our faith.

Authentic followers of Jesus are characterized as following the Holy Spirit’s lead. Romans 8:13 says that if we live by the Spirit, we will put to death the fleshly deeds of our body.

Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” Then Paul listed fleshly ways that we might grieve Him: bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice. 

Galatians 5:16 says, “…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” We are either walking in the Spirit or in the flesh. When we choose to turn away from the Holy Spirit’s leading, He will resist or oppose us.