FIRE FOR SERVICE

TITLE: FIRE FOR SERVICE

Main Text:  Acts 1:8 
Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:1-4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION

The call to service in God's Kingdom is empowered by the Holy Spirit's fire. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower believers to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). This "fire" represents the intense zeal, passion, and power that comes from the Holy Spirit, equipping us to serve effectively in God's work. This sermon will explore the nature of this fire, its role in empowering our service, and how we can cultivate and maintain this divine fire for effective ministry and impact.

1. THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S FIRE

a) Purifying and Refining (Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Peter 1:7)
The fire of the Holy Spirit purifies and refines us, removing impurities and preparing us for service. Just as gold is refined by fire, the Spirit’s fire refines our character and strengthens our faith, making us more effective in our service.

b) Empowering for Boldness and Effectiveness (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 4:31)
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came with a powerful, visible manifestation of fire, empowering the apostles to speak boldly and effectively (Acts 2:1-4). This fire gives us the boldness and effectiveness needed to fulfill our call to serve and witness.

c) Energizing and Inspiring (Romans 12:11; 2 Timothy 1:6)
The Holy Spirit’s fire energizes and inspires us for active service. Romans 12:11 encourages us to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Paul also reminded Timothy to "fan into flame" the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6), indicating that the fire of the Spirit needs to be continually stirred up.

2. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S FIRE IN SERVICE

a) Empowerment for Witnessing (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20)
The fire of the Holy Spirit empowers us to witness effectively. Acts 1:8 underscores that receiving power from the Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses of Christ. This empowerment equips us to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and reach out to the world with the Gospel.

b) Activation of Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 4:11-12) 
The Holy Spirit's fire activates spiritual gifts within us. These gifts are given for the common good and to build up the Body of Christ. Spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and teaching, are vital for effective service and ministry.

c) Motivating Service with Love and Compassion (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Galatians 5:13) 
The fire of the Holy Spirit motivates our service with love and compassion. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 emphasizes that without love, even the most impressive acts of service are meaningless. Galatians 5:13 reminds us to serve one another in love, which is the fruit of the Spirit.

3. HOW TO CULTIVATE AND MAINTAIN THE FIRE FOR SERVICE

a) Persistent Prayer and Seeking God (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14)
Cultivating the fire for service begins with persistent prayer and seeking God. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13), and the early church was constantly in prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit’s outpouring (Acts 1:14).

b) Continuous Filling with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 4:31)
We need to continually seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 commands us to be filled with the Spirit, and Acts 4:31 shows that the early believers were filled afresh, resulting in boldness and effectiveness.

c) Walking in Obedience and Holiness (John 14:15-17; Acts 5:32)
Obedience and holiness are essential for maintaining the fire. John 14:15-17 indicates that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Christ's commands. Acts 5:32 shows that the Spirit is given to those who live in alignment with God's will.

4. THE IMPACT OF THE FIRE FOR SERVICE

a) Transformation of Lives (Acts 2:41; 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
The fire of the Holy Spirit transforms lives, leading to repentance and salvation. Acts 2:41 describes how 3,000 souls were added to the church after Peter’s Spirit-empowered sermon. The Gospel, accompanied by the Spirit's fire, has the power to change lives dramatically.

b) Growth and Expansion of the Kingdom (Acts 9:31; Colossians 1:10)
The fire for service results in the growth and expansion of God's Kingdom. Acts 9:31 describes how the church grew in numbers and strength. Colossians 1:10 speaks of bearing fruit in every good work as we grow in knowledge of God.

c) Demonstration of God’s Power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5; Hebrews 2:4)
The Holy Spirit’s fire demonstrates God's power through signs, wonders, and miracles. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 emphasizes that the Gospel is preached with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. Hebrews 2:4 speaks of the signs and wonders that confirm the message of salvation.

CONCLUSION

The fire for service, fueled by the Holy Spirit, is essential for effective ministry and impactful service in God’s Kingdom. This fire empowers, equips, and motivates us to witness boldly, operate in spiritual gifts, and serve with love. By cultivating this fire through prayer, continuous filling, and obedience, we will see transformative results in our lives and the world around us.

PRAYER POINTS

1. "Lord, ignite a fresh fire in me for Your service and Kingdom work."
2. "Father, empower me with boldness and effectiveness to witness for You."
3. "Holy Spirit, activate and manifest Your gifts in my life for service and ministry."
4. "Lord, fill me continuously with Your Spirit and keep the fire burning bright within me."
5. "Father, help me to serve others with love and compassion, reflecting Your heart."
6. "Holy Spirit, guide me in persistent prayer and seeking Your presence."
7. "Lord, grant me the grace to walk in obedience and holiness, maintaining the fire of service."
8. "Father, let the impact of the fire for service be evident in transformed lives and Kingdom growth."
9. "Holy Spirit, demonstrate Your power through my service, confirming Your message."
10. "Lord, strengthen and renew my passion for Your work and the advancement of Your Kingdom."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that you are filled with a fresh fire for God’s service and Kingdom impact.
2. I decree that you will be empowered with boldness and effectiveness to witness for Christ.
3. I proclaim that the spiritual gifts in your life are activated and used for God's glory.
4. I declare that the fire of the Holy Spirit will continuously fill and renew you.
5. I decree that your service is motivated by love and compassion, reflecting God's heart.
6. I proclaim that persistent prayer and seeking God will keep the fire burning within you.
7. I declare that you will walk in obedience and holiness, maintaining the fire for service.
8. I decree that the fire of service will result in transformed lives and the growth of God's Kingdom.
9. I proclaim that God’s power will be demonstrated through your service and ministry.
10. I declare that your passion for God’s work and the advancement of His Kingdom will be renewed and strengthened.

May the fire for service burn brightly in your life, empowering you to make a significant impact for God’s Kingdom!