Scripture

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

Observation

We are to honour our leaders in the Lord’s work. We must show them great respect and genuine love.

Rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks in all circumstances. We must not stifle the Holy Spirit nor scoff at prophecies. Rather, we should test everything that is said and hold on to what is good.

Paul prays that the God of peace will make the Thessalonians holy and blameless in every way.

Application

Churches, as well as individuals, quench the Holy Spirit in many ways, despite the clear warnings of scripture not to do this.

Sometimes it is explicitly stated that we don’t do that kind of thing here. It might be that the services are so tightly scripted or timed that there is no room for the Holy Spirit to act.

I have heard people, including ministers, scoffing at powerful prophetic words, even though scripture tells us explicitly not to do this

Some people have a mind set that says “Bible times” were different, and we should not expect God to act these days.

We need to have faith to believe that God can use us. Pastors need to make space in their services and give permission for home groups to practice all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The more we expect God to act, the more we will see Him do amazing things.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, come and change me and the people I worship with. Help us to welcome you into our lives. Amen.