6.4 RULES CONCERNING LISTENING (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)

This important teaching concerns hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying through the operation of His utterance gifts, and the ministry of the Word.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 "Do not quench the Spirit".

The Spirit is quenched whenever His manifestation is stifled either in an individual or ignored by leadership or rejected by the people. The NIV translates this rule as "Do not put out the Spirit's fire." When the spiritual gifts are put out there is no blaze of the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:20 "Do not despise prophecies."

Treating with contempt gifts of the Spirit, can only result in spiritual hardening. We are to listen attentively, not indifferently. Value and weigh every word carefully.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 "Test all things, hold fast what is good."

Test the spoken word by the written word. All prophecy is to be evaluated (1 Corinthians 14:29 ). Remember, the careful examination is so as to retain that which is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 "Abstain from every form of evil."

Having tested by the Word, that which fails must be thrown away. We are to shrink from, even keep aloof from every form of error and evil. Careful study of these rules, and the application, will result in rich fellowship and increasing usefulness.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you stifle or quench what the Holy Spirit is saying?
   • Do you value and weigh with great care, every utterance of the Holy Spirit. Do you test the spoken word by the written Word?

2. Do you endeavour to keep away from every form of error and evil?