The Holy Spirit is like a fire. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came like flames of fire on the first disciples, and they spoke with new languages, evangelized Jerusalem, and unleashed the kingdom of God. This fire of the Holy Spirit has been burning ever since, and it burns today inside everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
We are commanded to not put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Fire gives light. It gives heat in the cold. Fire produces energy. Fire cooks food. Sometimes fire is needed to survive.
As Christians, we need the Holy Spirit in order to survive spiritually.
The fire of the Holy Spirit burns before the throne of God in heaven as 7 lamps (Revelation 4:5). These lamps of fire represent the 7 spirits of God. The one Holy Spirit operates in different ways.
Jesus was anointed with the 7 Spirits of God (Isaiah 11:1-2). This means that he operated in the fullness of God’s power.
In the New Testament each church is compared to a lampstand (Revelation 1:20). In the Bible, a lampstand has 7 lamps of fire burning out from it (Exodus 37). This means that the church in its ideal state is to reflect the fullness of the Holy Spirit into the world.
In ancient days lamps were fueled by oil. Oil is a picture of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit flows into us, it burns like a fire that produces spiritual light like a lamp.
Jesus said that if we light a lamp, we should not put it in in a secret place or under a bushel. Instead we should put it on a lampstand (Luke 11:33). Jesus was using symbols to represent spiritual truth.
A secret place is a place by itself. When a lamp is hidden, no one knows about it and it gives light to no one. When a Christian isolates himself, he can become corrupted. He may develop unusual habits or ideas. Leftover manna that a person stored for himself became corrupt when it was not shared with others and eaten (Exodus 16:20). Being isolated can quench the Holy Spirit. God wants us to be a part of his body so the flame of the Holy Spirit stays strong within us.
A bushel basket was a special basket used for trading. This basket represents trading and business. Sometimes our pursuit of the world and of wealth will put out the light of God in us. In order to succeed in the world, many Christians compromise. This quenches the Holy Spirit.
Instead of being in a secret place or under a bushel, Jesus says we should put the lamp on a lampstand. The lampstand represents the church (Revelation 1:20). When a lamp is on a lampstand, it can give light to all who are in the house (Matthew 5:15). God’s house is comprised of his people all over the world. God wants us to shine our light to others, particularly other Christians. This will encourage them and strengthen us. The Holy Spirit burns brightly within the fellowship of God’s people. The true church of God, built according to the Biblical pattern, is the best and most appropriate home for a Christian. Put your lamp on a lampstand.
As we approach the end of the age, Jesus commands us to have our lamps burning (Luke 12:45). He wants us to be ready for his return, full of the Holy Spirit.
When Christ returns, it will be like 10 virgins going to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25). In the New Testament virgins represent churches (2 Corinthians 11:2). The virgins (churches) take their lamps, which are on their lampstands. These lamps burn according to the supply of the Holy Spirit, which is represented by oil.
The wise take oil, but the foolish take no oil. The foolish “Christians” do not have the Holy Spirit. Therefore they are not ready for the Lord’s return, and when he comes back they panic. They knock on the door, but can’t get in. Jesus pronounces that he does not know them. This means that they are not saved, for “the Lord knows them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). It is a shocking reality that many churches are filled today with unbelievers.
The foolish churches have a form of godliness but deny the power of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). The power of godliness is the Holy Spirit. There are Christians today who deny and resist the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a dangerous theology to hold to, particularly as we approach the end of the age. Instead we need to embrace the work of the Holy Spirit.
God commands us to not quench the Holy Spirit but keep the Holy Spirit burning brightly in our lives.
The Holy Spirit can be quenched as we resist his work, sin, stop someone who is moving in the Spirit, embrace false teaching, or create strife (particularly within church).
Let us keep the Holy Spirit burning in our lives. Pray. Renounce the false teachings of limitation regarding the Holy Spirit. Believe in God. With him all things are possible.
Lincoln House Churches 