The 'Nots' of God's Will
The 'Nots' of God’s Will
In his sermon titled "The .Nots. of God’s Will," Pastor Michael Mehring explores the transformative command found in 1 Thessalonians 5:19: "Do not quench the Spirit." This directive is essential for believers aiming to deepen their relationship with the Holy Spirit and to live a life that fully embraces God’s presence.
The Indwelling and Resting of the Holy Spirit
Pastor Mehring discusses the role of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that He is not only within us but also desires to rest upon us, guiding and empowering our actions. Drawing from John 1:32-33, he contrasts the Old Testament occurrences where the Spirit would temporarily empower figures like Samson, with the New Testament model where the Spirit "remained" on Jesus. This shift invites believers to cultivate a lifestyle that makes them a "resting place" for the Spirit, akin to a dove gently resting on one’s shoulder.
Embracing the Spirit’s Power
Highlighting 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 and 1 Corinthians 4:20, Mehring underscores that the kingdom of God is not just about words but is characterized by power. He encourages the congregation to pursue a life where the supernatural becomes an expected reality, where miracles, signs, and wonders are everyday occurrences. This pursuit requires an openness to the Spirit’s unpredictable and sometimes uncomfortable work.
Steps to a Spirit-Led Life
Pastor Mehring offers practical steps for living a life that honors the Holy Spirit:
Remove Barriers: Allow the Spirit to operate freely, even if it disrupts comfort zones or established routines.
Pursue Greater Works: As promised in John 14:12, believers are called to achieve greater works than those of Jesus.
Pray for Spiritual Awakening: Consistently intercede for the church to be a vessel of God’s power, attracting those seeking genuine spiritual encounters.
A Call for Transformation
Concluding his sermon, Pastor Mehring calls on the congregation to commit to a life that does not quench the Spirit. He reminds them of the promise in Acts 1:8, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you," emphasizing that this power is meant to transform not only individual lives but also the broader community.
The sermon ends with an invitation for those who have not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit or do not know Jesus to come forward for prayer. Pastor Mehring’s message is a compelling reminder that the Holy Spirit is not a distant force but an active presence, eager to transform lives and communities when given the space to move.
By embracing this command to not quench the Spirit, believers can transition from a predictable faith to one filled with the dynamic and life-changing power of God’s presence, ultimately impacting the world around them.
Discussion Questions for Small Groups
Icebreaker: Share a moment this week when you felt particularly aware of God's presence in your life. How did this experience impact your day or your perspective?
Reflect on the Sermon's Main Theme: Pastor Michael Mehring emphasized the importance of not quenching the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to you personally to be a "resting place" for the Holy Spirit? Discuss ways we can actively foster an environment in our daily lives that welcomes the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance.
Key Scripture Reflection: The sermon referenced 1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Do not quench the Spirit." Reflect on how this command can be applied both in our personal spiritual practices and within our church community. What are some potential barriers we face in adhering to this command, and how can we overcome them?
Personal Application: Pastor Mehring spoke about increasing the Holy Spirit's involvement in our lives. What practical steps can you take this week to be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and power? Share any past experiences where you felt the Holy Spirit leading you in a specific direction.
Theological Implications: Consider the idea presented that the Holy Spirit is within us for our benefit and upon us for the benefit of others. How does this understanding influence your perception of spiritual gifts and your role in serving others within the church and broader community? Can you think of specific ways you have seen this dual role of the Holy Spirit in action?
Emotional and Spiritual Response: Reflect on how the sermon's message challenged or inspired you. Share a personal experience where you felt you might have "quenched" the Spirit, and discuss what you learned from that situation. How can sharing these experiences benefit our group's communal life and support each other's spiritual journeys?
Community Impact: Pastor Mehring mentioned the potential for the Holy Spirit to transform not only our church but also our nation. Discuss what collective actions we can take as a congregation to ensure we are making space for the Holy Spirit to move freely among us. How can we support each other in this endeavor, and what might be some practical steps we can implement as a community?
Call to Action: Reflect on the sermon's call to action in living in agreement with God's will and being open to the Holy Spirit's movement. What is one specific action or change you can commit to this week that aligns with this message?
Consider how you can encourage others in your group to also take steps towards this commitment, and discuss ways to hold each other accountable in love and support.
Study Guide: The 'Nots' of God.s Will
Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
John 1:32-33
1 Corinthians 2:4-5
1 Corinthians 4:20
John 14:12-14
Romans 8:11
Acts 1:8
Warm Up
Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. How did it impact you?
How do you currently understand the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life?
Scripture Exploration
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19. What are the commands given to the church? Why might these be significant?
In John 1:32-33, John the Baptist describes seeing the Spirit descending on Jesus. What does it mean for the Spirit to "remain" on someone?
Examine 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. How does Paul describe his preaching, and what does this imply about the role of the Holy Spirit?
Personal Reflection
What does it mean to "quench not the Spirit" in your daily life? How can you identify when this might be happening?
How do the passages in John 14:12-14 challenge your understanding of prayer and faith?
Romans 8:11 speaks of the Spirit giving life to our mortal bodies. What implications does this have for your understanding of the Holy Spirit's power?
Personal Application
Consider how you can create space in your life for the Holy Spirit to move. What practical steps can you take this week?
How can you encourage your church community to be more open to the movement of the Holy Spirit?
Write down one action you will take to "not quench the Spirit" in your personal or communal life this week. How will you measure its impact?
By engaging with these questions, you can deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role and how to live in alignment with God's will, as outlined in the sermon by Pastor Michael Mehring. Reflect on how you can be a resting place for the Holy Spirit and what changes you might need to make to live in agreement with God’s will, allowing His Spirit to rest upon you and your community.
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: God's Upward Call
Devotional
Have you ever felt like you're stuck in the same place spiritually? Maybe you've been a Christian for years, but something inside whispers that there's more. That whisper isn't discontent—it's God's invitation. No matter where you find yourself today on your faith journey, whether you're a new believer taking your first steps or a seasoned Christian who's walked with God for decades, He has the same message for you: "Come up higher." This isn't about measuring your spirituality on some imaginary scale or comparing yourself to others. It's about recognizing that God's heart for you is always growth, always deeper intimacy, always greater purpose. He doesn't call us up because we're lacking, but because He has more to give us and more for us to experience with Him. The beautiful truth is that God meets us exactly where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there. His upward call isn't a burden—it's an invitation to adventure. It's His way of saying, "I have plans for you that are bigger than where you are right now." When we respond to this call, we discover that each new level brings fresh joy, deeper peace, and greater purpose. Today, listen for that gentle invitation. God is calling you up—not because you're not enough, but because He has so much more to share with you.
Bible Verse
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12
Reflection Question
What area of your spiritual life do you sense God inviting you to grow in, and what would it look like to take one step forward in that area today?
Quote The Lord is calling us up. He's calling us up. It doesn't matter where you're at, what level. You know, I could say on a scale of 1 to 10, how spiritual, how Christian, how whatever you are, but don't answer that. But no matter where you're at, what position you're at in your spirituality, God is calling you up to another level.
Prayer
Father, thank You for never being satisfied with leaving me where I am. Help me to hear Your upward call clearly and respond with excitement rather than fear. Give me the courage to step into the new level You have for me. Amen.
Day 2: Becoming a Resting Place
Devotional
Imagine being so aligned with God's heart that His Spirit feels completely at home in your life. Picture living in such harmony with His will that the Holy Spirit doesn't just visit you occasionally, but actually rests upon you like a dove finding its perfect perch. This isn't about perfection—it's about partnership. When we think about how Jesus lived, we see someone who was constantly in tune with the Father's voice, always yielding to the Spirit's leading, never resisting God's plans even when they were difficult. The dove of the Holy Spirit remained on Him because there was no conflict, no resistance, no competing agenda. What would it look like for you to live this way? It means choosing God's ways over your own preferences. It means being quick to forgive when you'd rather hold a grudge. It means speaking words of life when criticism feels more satisfying. It means trusting God's timing when you want to rush ahead. The Holy Spirit isn't looking for perfect people—He's looking for willing people. People who say, "God, I want to live in such agreement with You that Your presence feels comfortable resting on my life." When we become this kind of resting place, we don't just experience God's presence for ourselves—we become a place where others can encounter Him too. Today, ask yourself: What in my life might make the Holy Spirit feel unwelcome, and how can I change that?
Bible Verse
"Do not quench the Spirit." - 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Reflection Question
What attitudes, habits, or responses in your life might be making it difficult for the Holy Spirit to feel at rest in you, and what practical steps can you take to create a more welcoming environment for His presence?
Quote I want to be a resting place for the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I want to be a resting place for You. Show me any areas of my life where I'm not in agreement with God's heart. Help me to live in such harmony with You that Your presence feels completely at home in me. Amen.
Day 3: The Spirit Within and Upon
Devotional
There's a beautiful distinction in how the Holy Spirit works in our lives that changes everything about how we understand our purpose. The Spirit within you is God's gift for your personal relationship with Him—He comforts you, guides you, transforms you from the inside out. But the Spirit upon you? That's God's empowerment for others. Think about it this way: the Spirit within you whispers "You are loved" when you're struggling with doubt. The Spirit upon you gives you the words to speak life into someone else's darkness. The Spirit within you brings you peace in the storm. The Spirit upon you enables you to be a calming presence for others in their storms. This isn't just for pastors or missionaries—this is for every believer. You have both dimensions available to you right now. The same Spirit who lives in you to transform your heart also wants to rest upon you to touch the lives of people around you. Your coworker who's going through a divorce, your neighbor who's battling depression, your family member who's lost hope—they need to encounter the Spirit who is upon you. When you understand this distinction, it changes how you approach every conversation, every relationship, every opportunity to serve. You're not just living for yourself—you're carrying the presence of God for others. You become a conduit of His love, His power, His hope. The question isn't whether you have the Holy Spirit—if you're a believer, you do. The question is: are you living in the fullness of both dimensions?
Bible Verse
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8
Reflection Question
How can you be more intentional about allowing the Holy Spirit who is upon you to minister to others through your words, actions, and presence this week?
Quote The Spirit is in you for you, but he is upon you for others.
Prayer
Lord, help me to understand and experience both dimensions of Your Spirit in my life. Let the Spirit within me continue to transform my heart, and let the Spirit upon me be a blessing to everyone I encounter. Use me as Your vessel. Amen.
Day 4: Removing the Limits
Devotional
What if the biggest obstacle to experiencing God's power isn't God's unwillingness, but our own limited expectations? Too often, we've unconsciously put a ceiling on what we believe God can and will do. We pray for healing but expect medicine to be the only answer. We ask for provision but limit God to conventional solutions. We cry out for breakthrough but settle for small improvements. The truth is, we serve a God who raised the dead, walked on water, and conquered death itself. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus to do the impossible lives within you. Yet somehow, we've become comfortable with a predictable Christianity that rarely expects the supernatural. Removing limits doesn't mean becoming unrealistic—it means aligning our expectations with God's character and promises. It means believing that the same God who parted the Red Sea can part the obstacles in your life. It means trusting that the God who provided manna in the wilderness can provide for your needs in ways you've never imagined. When we remove the limits, we're not demanding that God perform for us—we're positioning ourselves to receive all that He wants to give. We're saying, "Holy Spirit, I won't put You in a box. I won't limit You to what I can understand or control. Do whatever You want to do in and through my life." This requires courage because unlimited God often works in unexpected ways. But it also opens the door to experiencing His power in ways that will amaze you and impact others.
Bible Verse
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." - Romans 8:11
Reflection Question
What limits have you unconsciously placed on what God can do in your life, and what would it look like to surrender those limitations and trust Him for something greater?
Quote: Let's remove the limits from the Holy Spirit. Take them off. Say, holy Spirit, do whatever you want to do. I want to pursue you in your fullness.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I remove every limit I've placed on You. Forgive me for the times I've settled for less than Your best. I want to pursue You in Your fullness. Do whatever You want to do in my life, even if it's beyond what I can imagine. Amen.
Day 5: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God
Devotional
You don't have to be perfect to be used powerfully by God. You don't need a seminary degree, a flawless past, or extraordinary talents. Kingdom history has always been written by ordinary people who were filled with an extraordinary God. Moses had a speech impediment. David was a shepherd boy. Peter was impulsive and denied Jesus. Paul persecuted Christians. Yet God used each of them to change the world. The key isn't your ability—it's your availability. It's not about having it all together—it's about being desperate for more of God. When you feel inadequate, that's actually the perfect starting point because it drives you to depend completely on His strength rather than your own. God is looking for people who will say, "I don't have much to offer, but what I have is Yours." He's searching for hearts that are hungry, spirits that are desperate, lives that are surrendered. When He finds that kind of person, He can do incredible things. Don't let shame about your past or fear about your limitations keep you from stepping into what God has for you. Instead, let those very things drive you to desperation for His presence and power. Let them remind you that any good thing that comes through your life is clearly His doing, not yours. Today, instead of focusing on what you lack, focus on the extraordinary God who lives within you. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same power that worked through ordinary people in the Bible is available to work through ordinary you.
Bible Verse
"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
Reflection Question
What insecurities or feelings of inadequacy have been holding you back from fully surrendering to God's purposes for your life, and how can you turn those weaknesses into reasons to depend more fully on His strength?
Quote: Kingdom history is made by ordinary people filled with an extraordinary God.
Prayer
Father, thank You that You use ordinary people like me to do extraordinary things. Help me to stop focusing on my limitations and start focusing on Your limitless power. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me for Your glory, despite my weaknesses. Amen.
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Don't Quench the Holy Spirit:
God's Call to a Higher Level
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, God is calling you up to another level. He's inviting you deeper into relationship with Him and greater involvement of the Holy Spirit in your life. This isn't about measuring your spirituality on a scale—it's about recognizing that God always has more for us.
What Does It Mean to Not Quench the Spirit?
Paul's command in First Thessalonians 5:19 to "not quench the Spirit" is one of seven essential commands given to the church. The Amplified Bible puts it this way: "Do not suppress or subdue the Holy Spirit." This isn't just good advice—it's an indispensable instruction for believers.
When we quench the Spirit, we stop His flow in our lives through our actions, attitudes, or resistance to His work. We've all done it at times, but as believers, we should resolve not to hinder the Holy Spirit's movement in our lives.
Becoming a Resting Place for the Holy Spirit
The Old Testament vs. New Testament Model
In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come upon people like Samson, empower them for a task, then depart. But Jesus changed this model. When John the Baptist saw the Spirit descend on Jesus, he noted something remarkable: "and he remained upon him."
Bill Johnson explains it beautifully: "The Spirit is in you for you, but he is upon you for others." We want both—the Spirit dwelling within us and resting upon us.
Living to Keep the Dove
Think about that dove resting on Jesus' shoulder. How did Jesus have to live to keep that dove there? How would you need to live to keep the dove of the Holy Spirit resting on you? This requires:
Living in agreement with God
Being trustworthy with His presence
Stewarding His presence through obedience
Staying totally yielded to His work
Why the Church Needs the Holy Spirit's Power
More Than Words—Demonstration of Power
Paul made stunning statements about the necessity of the Spirit's power. In First Corinthians 2:4-5, he said his preaching wasn't with "enticing words of human wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power." Later, in 4:20, he declared, "for the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."
The Holy Spirit's presence should be evident in our gatherings. We don't want the safety of predictable Christianity or comfortable services that make the Spirit uncomfortable.
What Visitors Are Really Looking For
When people visit who don't know God, they aren't looking for a remake of the world—they're looking for something more. They're seeking the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, even if they can't articulate it. They want to see the moving of God.
Removing the Limits from the Holy Spirit
The Risk is Worth It
Yes, there's risk in giving the Holy Spirit control. There's potential for disorder because we're involved. But God says it's worth the risk to see Him move among us, touch hearts, change lives, and transform people.
When God touches human flesh, something will happen. As John Arnott said, "It's not a miracle when God touches human flesh that people respond sometimes crazy. It's a wonder they don't explode."
Biblical Promises We Should Expect
Scripture gives us incredible promises that should raise our expectations:
John 14:12: "He that believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do"
John 14:13-14: "Whatever you ask in my name, that will I do"
Romans 8:11: The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you
Acts 1:8: "You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you"
Creating a Culture of the Supernatural
We have the legal right to pursue a culture where:
The supernatural is evident
Prayers are answered
Healing is normal
God's strength is obvious
Love and forgiveness flow supernaturally
Full restoration is experienced
This requires living as though Scripture's truths are reality—because they are.
Life Application
This Week's Challenge: Make a daily commitment to not quench the Holy Spirit in your life. Each morning, pray: "Holy Spirit, do whatever you want to do in and through me today. I will not do anything to quench your moving in my life."
Questions for Reflection:
What areas of my life might be hindering the Holy Spirit's flow?
Am I living in a way that would allow the Holy Spirit to rest upon me?
Do I pray regularly for God to move powerfully in my church and community?
What limits have I placed on what God can do through me?
Am I more concerned with comfort and predictability than with God's presence and power?
Remember, you don't have to look around wondering where the Holy Spirit is—He is within you right now. He has been given to the church, and our job is to steward His presence well. Kingdom history is made by ordinary people filled with an extraordinary God. Don't settle for what you have—press in for more. God is calling you up to another level.
