Bible Studies

When the alarm goes off

by Jack Corcoran
03/15/20
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When the alarm goes off

An alarm clock is made for one reason, right? It wakes us up. As Christians, we have a built-in alarm system for when we are being tempted to sin. And, yes, we are all tempted (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

John 14:26 says… “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Have you ever noticed that when you are being tempted to sin, and yes, even Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert – have you ever noticed that small voice somewhere in the back of your mind reminding you of a scripture? That’s the Holy Spirit – He’s our alarm. Just as it says in Jn. 14:26, the Spirit will remind us. He is telling us to use scripture as our weapon against Satan. Isn’t that what Jesus did?

It tells us in Ephesians 6:17 “the sword of the Spirit is the word of God.”

When we are being tempted to sin, we have two choices. And while we are trying to make up our mind, the Spirit is reminding us of the word of God. We can choose to ignore the alarm or we can choose to do the right thing. It is our choice and that is why Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:30… “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…”

Before and after Paul makes that statement in verse 30, he lists a number of sins; lying, stealing, sexual immorality, profanity, and  telling dirty jokes. These are things we do every day without even thinking about them. But Paul says they grieve the Spirit.

Now in verse 5:19 of 1^st Thessalonians, Paul says… “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” Other translations say, “do not quench the Spirit”, but it’s the same thing, isn’t it? So, my question is this… how many times can we grieve the Holy Spirit before we finally put out the Spirit’s fire?

 Is it possible? I don’t know – Paul seems to think so. Do I want to know the answer to that question? I don’t think so. I certainly don’t wish to quench the Spirit in my own life and I would pray that you don’t either.

I’m guilty of grieving the Spirit, and I’m betting you are also. I have given into temptation, and I’m betting you have also. So, as Paul says in Ephesians 6:18… “With this in mind be alert…”   

Listen for your alarm; don’t let temptation catch you sleeping.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.