LET THE FIRE FALL

Bible Study: LET THE FIRE FALL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
1 Kings 18:36-39

Supporting Texts:
Acts 2:1-4
Leviticus 9:23-24
2 Chronicles 7:1
Hebrews 12:29
Matthew 3:11

INTRODUCTION:
In the Bible, fire is often a symbol of God’s presence, power, and purification. When we pray for the fire of God to fall, we are asking for His presence to manifest mightily, bringing revival, judgment on sin, purification, and empowerment for service. From the days of Elijah to the New Testament outpouring at Pentecost, God has answered by fire, transforming lives and changing nations. In this study, we will explore what it means for the fire of God to fall, its significance, and how we can position ourselves to experience this divine encounter.

1. GOD ANSWERS BY FIRE
Throughout the Bible, fire represented God's response to the prayers and sacrifices of His people. When the fire falls, it signals God’s acceptance and approval.

a) Elijah’s Prayer for Fire: Elijah prayed for fire, and God answered to demonstrate His supremacy over false gods (1 Kings 18:36-38).

b) Moses and the Tabernacle: God’s fire fell in response to the offering, signifying His glory and presence among the Israelites (Leviticus 9:23-24).

c) The Fire of God’s Glory: When Solomon dedicated the temple, fire fell, symbolising God’s approval and presence (2 Chronicles 7:1).

d) Fire Purifies and Consumes: God is a consuming fire, refining His people and consuming everything that is not of Him (Hebrews 12:29).

e) The Day of Pentecost: God’s fire fell in the form of the Holy Spirit, empowering the disciples for the mission ahead (Acts 2:1-4).

Biblical Example:
In 1 Kings 18:36-39, Elijah called down fire from heaven to demonstrate the power of the true and living God. The fire consumed the offering, the wood, and even the stones, showing God's supremacy over the false prophets of Baal.

2. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FIRE
The fire of God has different meanings and implications in the life of a believer.

a) God’s Presence: Fire signifies God's powerful presence among His people (Exodus 3:2).

b) Purification: God’s fire purifies, burning away sin and all that hinders our walk with Him (Malachi 3:2-3).

c) Judgment Against Sin: God’s fire also represents His righteous judgment against sin (Numbers 11:1-2).

d) Empowerment for Service: Fire equips believers to do the work of God with boldness and power (Acts 2:3-4).

e) Revival and Renewal: When the fire of God falls, it brings revival, refreshing and renewing hearts and minds to serve the Lord fully (Psalm 85:6).

Biblical Example:
In Acts 2:1-4, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples as tongues of fire. This empowered them to preach the Gospel with boldness, leading to the salvation of thousands.

3. HOW TO INVITE THE FIRE OF GOD
There are steps believers can take to position themselves for a fresh outpouring of God’s fire.

a) Consecration and Holiness: God’s fire falls on a holy altar. We must live a life of holiness and consecration (Romans 12:1).

b) Sacrifice of Praise: Just as Elijah offered a sacrifice, we must continually offer the sacrifice of praise and worship (Hebrews 13:15).

c) Prayer and Fasting: The fire falls in response to fervent prayer and fasting, just as Elijah prayed persistently (James 5:16-18).

d) Faith and Expectation: We must believe that God is able to answer by fire and come with expectant hearts (Mark 11:24).

e) Obedience: God’s fire falls when we are obedient to His Word and commands (1 Samuel 15:22).

Biblical Example:
In Leviticus 9:23-24, after the people of Israel had consecrated themselves and offered sacrifices in obedience to God's command, the fire of the Lord came down and consumed the burnt offering, signifying His approval.

4. THE RESULTS OF THE FIRE FALLING
When the fire of God falls, it brings transformation, deliverance, and empowerment.

a) Revival and Repentance: People are brought to repentance and revival when God’s fire falls (1 Kings 18:39).

b) Miraculous Signs and Wonders: The fire of God brings supernatural manifestations of His power (Acts 2:43).

c) Empowerment for Evangelism: The Holy Spirit’s fire equips believers to witness with boldness and authority (Acts 1:8).

d) Spiritual Refining: God’s fire refines believers, making them vessels fit for His purpose (Isaiah 48:10).

e) Victory Over the Enemy: God’s fire brings victory over every opposition and destroys the works of darkness (2 Kings 1:10).

Biblical Example:
In 2 Kings 1:10, when the king’s men came to arrest Elijah, he called down fire from heaven, and it consumed the soldiers. This demonstrated God’s protection and power over Elijah’s enemies.

5. LIVING AS CARRIERS OF THE FIRE
As believers, we are called to carry God’s fire wherever we go, bringing His presence and power to a dying world.

a) The Holy Spirit within Us: The fire of God lives within every believer through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

b) Staying Spiritually Ignited: We must continually stir up the fire within us through prayer, worship, and the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

c) Being Witnesses of the Fire: We are called to be witnesses of God's fire, sharing the Gospel and demonstrating His power (Acts 1:8).

d) Walking in Purity: God’s fire purifies us, and we must walk in purity and righteousness to keep the fire burning (1 Peter 1:16).

e) Spreading the Fire: Revival starts with us, but it should spread to others as we share the love and power of God (Acts 2:47).

Biblical Example:
In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist declared that Jesus would baptise His followers with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This fire ignited the early church to spread the Gospel throughout the world.

CONCLUSION:
When we pray for the fire of God to fall, we are asking for His presence, power, and purification in our lives. As we position ourselves through prayer, obedience, and holiness, we can experience a fresh outpouring of God's fire that will bring revival, empower us for service, and ignite our passion for Him. Let the fire fall in our lives, churches, and communities, transforming us into vessels for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, let Your fire fall in my life and consume every hindrance to Your presence.

2. Father, ignite a fresh fire in my heart for You.

3. I ask for the fire of the Holy Spirit to empower me for service.

4. Lord, let Your fire bring revival in my family, church, and community.

5. Father, purify my heart with Your refining fire.

6. Let Your fire fall and destroy every plan of the enemy against me.

7. Lord, make me a carrier of Your fire, igniting others around me.

8. Holy Spirit, stir up the fire within me and keep me spiritually ignited.

9. Lord, let Your fire consume every impurity in my life.

10. Father, release a fresh outpouring of Your fire over my nation.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that the fire of God will fall upon you and consume every obstacle in your life.

2. You are empowered by the fire of the Holy Spirit to do great exploits for the Kingdom.

3. I decree that every coldness in your spiritual life is consumed by the fire of God.

4. The fire of revival will burn in your heart and spread to those around you.

5. I declare that the fire of God will purify you and make you a vessel of honour.

6. The fire of the Holy Spirit will empower you to overcome every challenge.

7. I decree that you will be a carrier of God's fire, bringing transformation to your environment.

8. The fire of God will expose and destroy every hidden work of darkness in your life.

9. I declare that the refining fire of God will perfect all that concerns you.

10. The fire of God will ignite a new passion in you for His Word and His presence.