FIRE QUENCHERS

Intro

Have you ever tried to start a fire with wet fuel?

Or dumped a whole bunch of leaves on a small fire thinking it would make the fire bigger but it only suffocated it?

Illustration with a candle with wet wick....

What are the things in our life and surroundings that can quench what the spirit of God wants to do in and through us?

Let’s look at what Paul said to the Church in Thessalonica:

Body

1 Thessalonians 5:12–24 NIV

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

To avoid quenching God’s Fire I will:

Live at Peace with and Serve with Those around me

Rejoice, Pray, and Give thanks

Reject all Evil

I Will Live at Peace With and Serve With Those Around Me (vs 13-15)

The enemy will try to cause us to be offended by 1 another which leads to disunity and quenching His spirit

God has things for us to do, He has gifted us to serve 1 another. We are His plan for helping people in the world around us.

I Will Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks (vs 16-18)

Rejoicing no matter where we find ourselves helps to keep the fire hot.

We need to talk to God and hear His voice in prayer to stay close to the fire.

I Will Reject All Evil (vs 19-22)

Sin/disobedience/rebellion, Distractions, Laziness/apathy will all quench the Fire of God in our life.

We must run away from any appearance of evil that the enemy will try to use to steal, kill, and destroy us.

John 10:10 NIV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Closing

Fire Quenchers

I don’t have all the answers but I know who does! Ask God to help you see fire quenchers and how to avoid them.

Rejoice in every situation every day and look for things to thank God for even when you don’t feel like it. - You can get happy in the same pants you got mad in.

Ask God to DAILY give you the opportunity to ignite His fire in the world around you.

Are there any sins or evil things in your life that you need to reject right now? Get rid of these fire quenchers immediately and share them with someone who can help you overcome them.

Small Group Questions:

What are some common fire quenchers among you and the people around you?

What are you doing to avoid these fire quenchers?

What are some practical ways you can serve people around you today or tomorrow?

When is it hardest for you to live at peace with people?

What are some situations it is hard for you to give thanks in?

When do you feel closest to God?