And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God
William MacDonald teaches that believers must avoid sin to not grieve the loving Holy Spirit who seals them until redemption.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the profound truth that the Holy Spirit, who seals believers until the day of redemption, can be grieved by sin. He carefully examines specific sins that cause sorrow to the Spirit and emphasizes the Spirit's loving and faithful presence even when believers fall short. MacDonald calls Christians to live holy lives motivated by the Spirit’s love and sealing, avoiding carelessness and fostering intimate fellowship with God.
Text
“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed until the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30)
Just as it is possible for us to quench the Spirit in the meetings of the church, so it is possible for us to grieve Him in our private lives.
There is a certain tenderness about the word “grieve”. We can only grieve someone who loves us. The neighborhood brats don’t grieve us, but our own naughty children do.
We hold a special place of nearness and dearness to the Holy Spirit. He loves us. He has sealed us until the day of redemption. He can be grieved by us.
But what grieves Him? Any form of sin brings sorrow to His heart. It is not by accident that Paul here calls Him the Holy Spirit. Anything that is unholy bows Him down with grief.
The exhortation “grieve not” comes in the middle of a series of sins against which we are warned. The list is not intended to be exhaustive but merely suggestive.
Lying grieves the Spirit (v. 25)—white lies, black lies, fibs, exaggerations, half-truths and shaded truths. God cannot lie and He cannot give that privilege to His people.
Anger that overflows into sin grieves the Spirit (v. 26). The only time that anger is ever justified is when it is in God’s cause. All other anger gives the devil a beachhead (v. 27).
Stealing is grievous to the Holy Spirit (v. 28), whether from mother’s purse or from our employer’s time, tools or office supplies.
Unwholesome speech grieves the Holy Spirit (v. 29). This runs the gamut from dirty, suggestive jokes to idle chatter. Our conversation should be edifying, appropriate and gracious.
Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander and malice complete the list in chapter 4.
One of the favorite ministries of the Holy Spirit is to occupy us with the Lord Jesus Christ. But when we sin, He has to turn from this ministry in order to restore us to proper fellowship with the Lord.
But even then He is never grieved away. He never leaves us. We are sealed by Him unto the day of redemption. However, this should not be used as an excuse for carelessness but should be one of the greatest motives for holiness.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The meaning of grieving the Holy Spirit
- The special love relationship with the Holy Spirit
- The sealing of believers until redemption
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II
- Sins that grieve the Holy Spirit
- Examples: lying, anger, stealing, unwholesome speech
- The broader list of sinful attitudes
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III
- The Holy Spirit’s ministry to focus us on Christ
- How sin disrupts this ministry
- The Spirit’s faithfulness despite our sin
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IV
- The motivation for holiness
- Not using the Spirit’s sealing as an excuse for sin
- Living to please the Spirit who loves us
Key Quotes
“There is a certain tenderness about the word grieve. We can only grieve someone who loves us.” — William MacDonald
“Any form of sin brings sorrow to His heart. It is not by accident that Paul here calls Him the Holy Spirit.” — William MacDonald
“He never leaves us. We are sealed by Him unto the day of redemption.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Examine your life for sins that may grieve the Holy Spirit and confess them promptly.
- Cultivate speech and attitudes that edify others and honor the Spirit's presence.
- Let the assurance of being sealed by the Spirit motivate you toward greater holiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?
To grieve the Holy Spirit means to cause sorrow or sadness to Him through sin, as He loves believers deeply.
Which sins specifically grieve the Holy Spirit?
Sins such as lying, sinful anger, stealing, and unwholesome speech are examples that grieve the Holy Spirit.
Does grieving the Holy Spirit mean He will leave us?
No, the Holy Spirit never leaves believers but works to restore fellowship despite being grieved.
Why should we avoid grieving the Holy Spirit?
Because He has sealed us until the day of redemption and desires our holiness and fellowship with Christ.
How can we live to not grieve the Holy Spirit?
By confessing sin, pursuing holiness, and allowing the Spirit to guide our conduct and speech.