It is possible for us to sin against the Holy Spirit. We must take this matter very seriously. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and were struck dead (Acts 5:1-5). Let's consider some ways the Bible says we can sin against the Holy Spirit.
 
Resisting the Holy Spirit. Stephen accused the Jews of always resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51-53). The idea of resisting something means more than simply ignoring it. The word "resist" is translated from a Greek word which means to fall against or upon something. In this sense, to resist is to oppose or strive against something. These Jews were not indifferent about the gospel. They were opposing the gospel with all their might. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets of old also inspired the apostles who wrote the New Testament. Today, one resists the Holy Spirit when he rejects and opposes the message of the New Testament.
 
Quenching the Holy Spirit. "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies" (1 Thess. 5:19-20). The Greek word rendered "quench" in this passage means "to extinguish." Every time this word is used in the New Testament it refers to the act of quenching a fire or things on fire (literally or metaphorically). As used in this verse, the word means to quench, suppress, or stifle a divine influence.
The Holy Spirit works through His word, pricking men's hearts (Acts 2:37) and causing them to burn (Luke 24:32). Whenever the impact of the word of God is ignored, the Holy Spirit has been quenched. When we stop reading the word and praying for God's help, we have quenched the Holy Spirit's intended influence upon our lives.
 
Grieving the Holy Spirit. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30). To "grieve" means to make one sorrowful, to cause someone to suffer with grief or sadness. How is it possible for a Christian to bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit? This warning is given in the context of

Christians being told to put off the corrupt conduct of their former lives and to put on the new man who has been created in righteousness and holiness (vv. 22-24). Paul goes on to specifically address their speech, anger, work habits, generosity, as well as various attitudes (vv. 25-32).
 
When we fail to live the way God has told us to live, we have rejected God's authority for our lives. Such rebellion causes the Holy Spirit to experience deep sorrow, much like the parents of a wayward and foolish child (Prov. 10:1, 17:25). Any time we disobey God and violate the commands given by the Holy Spirit, we grieve the Holy Spirit.
 
Insulting the Holy Spirit. In Hebrews 10:26-29, the writer speaks of those who sin willfully, understanding what they are doing, without showing any desire to repent. Such persons are said to have "insulted" the Spirit of grace. The word "insulted" is translated from a Greek word which means to insult, but it also carries with it the idea of acting with contempt. It describes one who is haughty and thus acts against the authority of another, the result of which is a scornful insult to the one in the position of authority. This attitude is exactly what is described in the above passage.
 
We insult the Holy Spirit when we sin willfully, rejecting God's efforts to save our soul, without showing any desire to repent. Such a person can expect a certain and fearful judgment. One cannot so insult the Spirit of grace without falling into the hands of the living God (v. 31).

David sinned and was shamed. "My sin," he said, "is ever before me" (Psa. 51:3). Paul never forgot his days as a tormentor and persecutor. Because of his awful past, he thought himself unfit to be called an apostle (1 Cor. 15:9). Did Peter ever forget having cursed and sworn that he did not know Jesus? I think not.

If this is your sad plight, perhaps the following story will help you. Years ago, two brothers were caught and condemned for stealing sheep. As part of their punishment, their foreheads were branded with large capital letters, "S. S."

One of the young men could not bear the stigma. He fled from town to town, but everywhere he went, people inquired about the letters on his forehead. Haunted by his past, he lived on the run as a fugitive, trying to escape his shame and reproach. He died while still a young man, never able to escape the letters seared into his skin and scorched into his condemning conscience.

Meanwhile, his brother settled down in the same community where his crime had been committed. He worked and lived an honest, upright life. He devoted himself to helping and serving others. Many years past and people scarcely noticed the scars on his face. One day, a stranger moved into town and asked his neighbor about the letters, "S. S." on "that old man's face."

"Well, we're not for certain," his neighbor replied, "but we think it means that he's the Savior's Servant."

So, my dear fellow, suffering servant, however grievous your sins have been, if they are forgiven, you are now wearing the brand of the Savior's Servant. Hence, you may humbly forget those things which are behind and reach forth unto those things which are before, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Phil. 3:13, 14).

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
 

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  03/20/2017