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Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

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1 Thessalonians 5:19-21    "Quench not the Spirit.  (20)  Despise not prophesyings. (21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

Throughout time, there have been those who proclaim themselves to be prophets.  Sometimes, they claim to be able to read your palms or look into a crystal ball. Sometimes it comes in the form of a "harmless" game such as the Ouija Board or Magic 8 Ball.  Sometimes they even say they come in the name of the Lord.  False prophecies, and prophets, are not of God. Some people still want to place confidence in their horoscope reading for the day.  In fact the Word of God warns us against placing any dependency upon magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers.

Even if someone says they really place no dependence upon those things, there is an influence that is exerted on the mind. Satan is wily in the way he approaches anyone. He makes it look innocent or even helpful to our situation. He says, "Here, try this. It just might make a difference in your life. You've tried everything else. Why not give this a shot?"

Why do I bring up this subject in today's writing?  In many of Paul's writings, he speaks (prophesies) of the coming destruction of Jerusalem. He warns the people to remain steadfast in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He exhorts them to stay in the Word of God and be refreshed therein.  He warns them against people who come in behind him to try to subvert them away from the truth of Jesus Christ.  The Word of God is filled with prophecies concerning the people of God. We just looked at one back in the fourth chapter concerning the final resurrection of the saints. That is a sure prophecy which shall come to pass in the day the Lord has determined. So Paul is saying, "Do not despise something simply because it comes under the heading of being a prophecy, but at the same time, prove those things. Test them. Try them to see if they are of the Lord or of man. Then hold tightly to those things which honor and glorify the Lord."

How can we prove them?  How can we test or try prophecies that are stated by man? "Quench not the Spirit."  The Spirit of God is within every blood bought, Spirit born child of God. Jesus said concerning the Spirit, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  (14)  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:13-14)  Then in John's letter to the churches, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  (2)  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  (3)  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (1 John 4:1-3)   We prove those things by the Word of God and no other authority.  Satan can make his lies sound so sweet and nice to the natural mind. We must use the Word of God which is inspired by the Holy Spirit.  If the Spirit of God says it is wrong, then we are not to quench, or turn away from Him.

May the Lord bless each of us to Quench not the Spirit, but rather hold to that which is true and good - The Very Word of God.

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