Is it possible for a person to impede the work of the Holy Spirit in his life? The Bible answers yes.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Eph 4:30).

Do not quench the Spirit (1Th 5:19).

Work Halted

The great work that the Holy Spirit desires to do in a persons life can be halted when people refuse to obey God. When God's commandments are disobeyed, the Holy Spirits work is thwarted. Though some people blame their shortcomings on the devil, the Bible says that he was defeated.

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil (1Jo 3:8).

Consequently the believer need not continue in sin.

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him (Rom 6:6-8).

The believer can both quench and grieve the Holy Spirit through disobedience to God. Satan cannot be blamed for this, for he has been defeated by Christ. It is sin that quenches the Spirit.