Understanding the Bible (biblical hermeneutics): "Do not quench the spirit" 1 Thessalonians 5:19

The spirit and the flesh are opposed to each other as mentalities, styles and ways of living. That's why Paul teach us: "Do not quench the spirit" 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

In other words, do not quench the spirit by following the works, the acts, and the heresies of the flesh. The spirit is the substance of God, the wisdom. When we live following the spirit we are edifying, benevolent, kind, progressive; when we live following the flesh we are chaotic, unjust, involutive. This is explained in Romans 8:5-7:
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the spirit, set their minds on the things of the spirit. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so."
The conversion of heart is a spiritual and ethical commitment. The purpose of spiritual life is to increase the inherited spiritual gifts, the gifts bear gifts. Mercy bears peace, godliness bears security in God.
Evangelists are constant in this preaching to the first communities of the church, early Christians were prone to follow new heresies, as for example, the simony (a form of idolatry for money, presented as spirituality). Divisions in the church were always up to date.
Paul exhorts us on this: "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18.
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