“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT)
I’ve been thinking about the Holy Spirit and the dynamic nature of this God-gift in the life of the believer. Paul places this instruction amidst some other Spirit-fostering habits: be joyful, faithful in prayer, be thankful, receive prophecy with careful consideration and reject evil.
The Holy Spirit is available to assist in each of those tasks. When we stifle (or quench as the NIV states) the Holy Spirit, we cut off our nose to spite our face. He is a powerful source for godliness in our story, perhaps most our most powerful. He speaks. He instructs. He empowers and embolden. He corrects and confides. He empathizes and encourages. He strengthens. He equips. He births love in our hearts for others. He is essential for our effectiveness in Kingdom activity here on earth.
Yet so much of the Church is completely weirded out by the idea of succumbing to the Spirit. So many believers have cordoned off His presence to a historic hundred year window around the birth and life of Christ.
I wonder if we can identify the agenda of our opponent in this massive church-wide movement away from the Spirit?
Our enemy seems to be deeply intimidated by the infilling of the Holy spirit. This makes sense, he was present on Pentecost. He saw firsthand the soul revolution that roared through the upper room. He witnessed a hundred and twenty trembling disciples receive substantial power, re-birthed into passionate preachers in a matter of mere moments. Peter had been frozen in fear to a point of plain denial, but the rush of mighty wind made him new. It is widely taught that he preached from the Temple steps that day; the singular most provocative place a person could proclaim Christ.
Satan knows that Spirit-filled Christians ware able to withstand more than he can throw at us, so he’s skillfully moved the assault line. He battles us fiercely at the threshold of surrender; when our timid souls begin to open up the idea of receiving God’s Spirit. It is in this most tender territory that our enemy launches full attack – utilizing every weapon at his disposal; fear, opinion of man, shame, worldly logic and doubt. He will do all he can to distract us from identifying, receiving and utilizing our most powerful weapon in the war against evil.
“In the last days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions and your old me will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants – men and women alike – and they will prophesy.” (Acts 2:17-19 NLT)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…” (Acts 1:8 NLT)
“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” (Jude 1:20-21 NLT)
Lord, today we see the enemy agenda. We understand what he has known for two thousand years: Your Spirit is a tremendous source of strength and power. We recognize the distraction and discussion of our adversary and all the more, our appetites are awakened for You. Fill us for the first time or the four hundredth time. Transform us as You did the early church. Let our foe be shaken as he realizes Your victory in us. Amen.