Note:
I. Some of the ways in which men may be said to vex the Holy Spirit. (1) This sin is committed, when the all-important office executed by the Spirit in the Church, as sent by Christ to quicken, convert, and sanctify the soul, is not duly recognised and honoured. (2) The sin of vexing the Spirit is committed, when the means and instruments by which He carries on His work are despised or abused. (3) The sin of vexing the Spirit is committed by the unwarrantable doubts and fears which sometimes depress the minds of the people of God. (4) The sin of vexing the Holy Spirit is committed, when any good motions or purposes which He excites in the heart are suppressed, or not followed out. (5) The sin of vexing the Holy Spirit is committed when the grace and energy which He imparts are not actively and faithfully exercised.
II. Consider the dangerous consequences of vexing the Holy Spirit. (1) One result of the Spirit's "turning against" any one would be His withdrawing altogether the instruments, and means, and opportunities of grace which men have despised or abused; and as they sought not to arrive at the knowledge of the truth, leaving them to perish in the darkness which they have loved. (2) Another thing obviously implied in the Spirit's turning against any one, is His ceasing to work, and to make the means of grace effectual for conviction and conversion.
A. D. Davidson, Lectures and Sermons,p. 211.