The passage of Scripture we have before us draws attention to a particular symbol of the Spirit. For the record, water, oil, wind, and fire are symbols of the Spirit. Of these three, only fire can be quenched. The Spirit of God is portrayed as holy fire. John announced that Jesus would baptize those who believe in the Holy Ghost and with fire. No wonder that on the day of Pentecost the Spirit came in the form of cloven tongues and fire. It is this flame of the Spirit that believers should keep aglow always in their lives. Note that if the Spirit is quenched, He cannot accomplish His diverse ministries in us.
Our passage in the Amplified Classic reads: “Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;” 1 Thessalonians 5:19. This gives an additional insight to what may lead to the quenching of the Spirit. Synonyms for the word “quench” are: “suppress” and “subdue”. To suppress is to give no room for expression. From Scriptures we know that the Holy Spirit always has something to say. In Revelation chapters 3 and 4, we have this constant warning that those who have ears to hear should hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. This occurred on seven different occasions. Suppressing the Spirit is refusing Him free expression. The only other thing that could be worse off is to refuse to obey after we have heard His voice. Either of these cases will quench the Spirit. Those who want to constantly enjoy the dynamic ministry of the Holy Spirit and the help He offers must make hearing and obeying the Spirit the cornerstone of their lives.