Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions and Answers: Quenching the Spirit

What does it mean to "quench the Spirit" according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, quenching the Spirit refers to hindering or suppressing the work and influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He explains that the word "quench" specifically "conjures up the picture and image of fire," noting that "you quench a fire." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes this is why the apostle used this particular word: "Don't quench the fire of the spirit that is within you." Quenching the Spirit particularly relates to "his influence, to his work and to his effects upon us," which differs slightly from grieving the Spirit, which "has much more direct reference to the person himself."

What are the two extreme ways the devil attacks believers regarding the Holy Spirit?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies two opposing extremes through which the devil attacks believers regarding the Holy Spirit:

1. Driving people to excesses with regard to the Spirit: This involves pushing believers to rely solely on subjective experiences, feelings, impressions, and "inner light" while neglecting Scripture. These people "tend to live entirely in the realm of the subjective aspect of the christian faith" and often ignore the need for testing spirits or maintaining order.

2. Quenching the Spirit: The more common problem today involves suppressing the legitimate work of the Holy Spirit through formalism, coldness, and an overemphasis on order without allowing the genuine fire, warmth and power of the Spirit to operate in believers' lives.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the church in the New Testament with the church today?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the vibrant, Spirit-filled church of the New Testament with the church of his day by highlighting several differences:

1. The New Testament church lived "under the Holy Ghost, under his power, under his influence, under his leadership."
2. They consulted the Spirit in decision-making: "It seemed good unto us and to the Holy Ghost."
3. They allowed the Spirit to direct their ministry paths, even when it meant changing plans.
4. The New Testament church displayed warmth, fire, passion, and power.

Lloyd-Jones asserts that the main problem with the modern church is "quenching the spirit" - most churches lack the fire, warmth, and power that characterized the early church. He challenges listeners to "read the New Testament description of the individual Christian and the New Testament description of the christian church, and then compare yourself and the church today with that."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the personality of the Holy Spirit?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not an "it" or merely an influence, but a divine person. He criticizes those who "even deny the person of the Holy Spirit" and "refer to the Holy Spirit as it, as if it were but an influence." He even criticizes the New English Bible translation of his text which renders it "Do not stifle inspiration" rather than "Quench not the spirit."

Lloyd-Jones affirms that the Holy Spirit is "co-equal with the Father and with the Son, God in three persons, blessed Trinity." He states: "He's not just an influence, not some it. He is indeed God, the Holy Ghost." He reminds his listeners that Christ taught the Spirit would dwell within believers, and that believers' bodies are "the temple of the Holy Ghost" as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:19.

What are the evidences of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer according to this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies several evidences of the Holy Spirit's work in believers:

1. Light and understanding: The Spirit "gives light, light and understanding" of spiritual truths, helping believers understand "the doctrines of salvation" and "the mysteries of the faith."

2. Warmth and fire: "Christianity means warmth. It means heat. It means glow." A Spirit-filled believer should display spiritual warmth, not cold formality.

3. Assurance: "The man who's a true Christian filled with the spirit, he knows that his sins are forgiven. He knows that he's a child of God."

4. Love for God: "You can't have the fire of the spirit within you without loving God."

5. Joy: Believers experience "joy unspeakable and full of glory" and can "rejoice in the Lord always."

6. The fruit of the Spirit: "When the spirit comes, this warmth, we are melted, we are moved. We love. The fruit of the spirit begins to manifest itself and its love and joy and peace and long suffering and gentleness and goodness and meekness and faith and temperance."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the importance of balance in the Christian life?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the crucial importance of balance in the Christian life, especially regarding the Holy Spirit. He states: "There's nothing in the world like the Bible this morning. Look at the balance. Here's the glory of true Christianity, this perfect balance."

He highlights this balance in Scripture's teaching: "God is not the author of confusion. Quench not the spirit. Despise not prophesy. Prove all things. Hold fast to that which is good." This balance means:

1. Avoiding the extreme of uncontrolled emotionalism and disorder.
2. Not quenching the genuine work of the Spirit through excessive formalism.
3. Testing spiritual manifestations rather than accepting everything uncritically.
4. Maintaining both order and spiritual vitality.

Lloyd-Jones warns that the devil's method is to "send us from one extreme to the other," and believers must find the biblical middle ground that allows for both the Spirit's genuine work and proper order.