Seventh-Day Adventist Church

February 27, 2021 

Grieving the Spirit is only a step away from the unpardonable sin. Jesus said that “any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven” (Matthew 12:31). When we keep ignoring His “teaching, reproof, correction, and training” (2 Timothy 3:15), the compelling force of the Spirit wanes until it disappears. I would like to share just four points that will drive away the Spirit from our lives. Secondary Concerns; “Minor matters occupy the attention.” (8T21). We spend more time than ever on secondary things. Whether in surfing the Internet, or checking up on our social networks, or texting on the phone, technology has become one of our greatest demons to tame. “Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a stricter account than of our time.” (COL 342). Pride and Self-Reliance: Pride is always the last to surrender. The more we hold onto our sin – the less we are able to evangelize people to Jesus effectively. King David felt annoyed by any insinuation that his sin with Bathsheba was so bad. After his conversion David asked God not to take away the Spirit from him because of his sin, he wrote, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation…. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You” (Psalm 51:12, 13). A retaliatory and Critical Spirit: The Holy Spirit does not abide in the heart of those who are easily irritated. With such individuals come cutting, critical, harsh words with fire, “which grieve the Spirit away and develop attribute that are satanic rather than divine.” (R&H, April 9, 1901). We are to restrain our negative thoughts and feelings toward others; otherwise, we “are brought under the influence of evil angels and invite their presence and their control.” (5T310). Intense Amusements: “Amusements are doing more to counteract the working of the Holy Spirit than anything else and the Lord is grieved.” (CPTS p. 281). This statement was published in 1913, when amusements could refer to attending the theater, playing cards, or even to a game of chess. How mild and innocent are those things compared to today’s violent video games, R-rated movies, meaningless, sex-filled television programs, and the wrongful use of the Internet! It is a proven fact that noting we ever see or hear, or feel is ever gone from our brains. No help will be help until you “fix your eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Rivet your eye on Him. Look for Him in His Word, turn your face to Him day by day and moment by moment. Pledge to yourself: “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). Do that – and you will live.