DIVINE FIRE

Title: DIVINE FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 12:29
"For our God is a consuming fire."

Supporting Texts: Acts 2:3-4, Matthew 3:11, 1 Kings 18:36-39, Revelation 3:15-16, Isaiah 4:4

INTRODUCTION:
Divine fire is a powerful symbol of God's presence, purity, and power. It represents the refining process of the Holy Spirit, igniting passion and fervor in the hearts of believers. This sermon explores the significance of divine fire, highlighting its ability to purify, empower, and transform lives. It calls for believers to be consumed by the fire of God, allowing it to lead them into greater purpose and spiritual effectiveness.

1. THE NATURE OF DIVINE FIRE

a) The Purifying Fire of God:
Divine fire has the ability to refine and purify, burning away the dross and impurities in our lives (Malachi 3:2-3).

b) The Presence of God:
Fire signifies God’s presence, as seen in the burning bush with Moses and the pillar of fire that led the Israelites (Exodus 3:2, Exodus 13:21).

c) The Consuming Power of God:
God’s fire consumes everything that is unholy and incompatible with His nature, making way for His righteousness to shine (Deuteronomy 4:24).

d) The Fire of Passion for God:
Divine fire ignites a passionate desire to serve God and follow His will without hesitation (Romans 12:11).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Carmel, where the fire of God consumed the sacrifice, demonstrating God’s supreme power over false gods (1 Kings 18:36-39).

2. THE EFFECT OF DIVINE FIRE IN OUR LIVES

a) Empowerment for Service:
The Holy Spirit empowers believers with divine fire to boldly proclaim the gospel and live out their faith (Acts 1:8).

b) Spiritual Awakening:
Divine fire awakens a spiritual hunger and thirst, drawing believers closer to God and igniting a desire for righteousness (Matthew 3:11).

c) Boldness in Prayer and Worship:
When the fire of God is upon us, it fuels boldness in prayer and a deeper commitment to worship, setting us apart for His service (Acts 2:3-4).

d) Burning Away of Spiritual Laziness:
Divine fire eradicates complacency, stirring up spiritual fervor and motivating believers to pursue holiness and godliness (Revelation 3:15-16).

e) Biblical Example: The disciples on the day of Pentecost, filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, boldly preached the gospel and performed miracles (Acts 2:3-4).

3. THE REFINING PURPOSE OF DIVINE FIRE

a) Purification of Our Character:
Just as fire refines gold, divine fire purifies our hearts and minds, making us more like Christ (1 Peter 1:7).

b) Sanctification of Our Lives:
Divine fire sanctifies us, removing impurities and setting us apart for God’s holy use (2 Timothy 2:21).

c) The Fire of Discipline:
Divine fire brings about discipline in the life of the believer, helping them to live a life that honors God (Hebrews 12:11).

d) Testing Our Faith:
God’s fire tests our faith, proving its genuineness and endurance through trials and difficulties (1 Corinthians 3:13).

e) Biblical Example: The three Hebrew boys (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) who stood firm in their faith despite the fiery furnace, demonstrating the refining power of divine fire (Daniel 3:16-18).

4. CARRYING THE DIVINE FIRE INTO THE WORLD

a) Becoming a Witness for Christ:
Divine fire equips believers to be bold witnesses of the gospel, spreading the light of Christ to those in darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).

b) Transformation of the Atmosphere:
When believers carry the divine fire, they bring transformation to their environments, impacting their communities for Christ (Acts 16:25-34).

c) Demonstration of God’s Power:
Divine fire empowers believers to demonstrate God’s supernatural power through miracles, signs, and wonders (Mark 16:17-18).

d) Revival in the Church:
Divine fire brings revival, reigniting the hearts of believers and calling the church to greater intimacy with God (Acts 2:42-47).

e) Biblical Example: Paul, whose ministry was marked by the fire of God, performing miracles and planting churches that transformed entire regions (Acts 14:8-18).

5. MAINTAINING THE FIRE OF GOD IN OUR LIVES

a) Staying in Fellowship with God:
To keep the fire of God burning, we must stay close to Him in prayer, worship, and the Word (Psalm 84:10).

b) Living a Life of Holiness:
A life of holiness maintains the purity of the fire, allowing it to burn brightly in our hearts (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

c) Feeding the Fire through Obedience:
Obeying God’s commands and walking in His will keeps the fire of His presence alive in our hearts (John 14:15).

d) Protecting the Fire from Extinction:
We must guard the fire of God by avoiding sin, worldliness, and distractions that seek to quench it (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

e) Biblical Example: The early church continually met in prayer and fellowship, ensuring the fire of God remained strong among them (Acts 2:42-47).

CONCLUSION:
Divine fire is not just a symbol of God's presence but also a transformative power that empowers us to live victoriously, to carry out God's will, and to be a witness of His greatness. As believers, we must continually seek this fire, allowing it to refine, purify, and empower us for the work of the kingdom. Let us embrace the divine fire that purifies, empowers, and transforms us, keeping it burning brightly in our hearts.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, ignite Your fire in my heart and empower me to live boldly for You.

2. I pray for the purification of my life by Your divine fire, burning away all impurities.

3. Father, fill me with Your fire to boldly preach the gospel and bring transformation to my world.

4. I declare that I will walk in the fire of Your presence and never be lukewarm in my faith.

5. Lord, let Your fire refine my character and make me more like You.

6. I pray for an outpouring of divine fire in the church, bringing revival and spiritual awakening.

7. Father, let Your fire burn away every form of spiritual laziness and complacency in my life.

8. Lord, empower me with the boldness to demonstrate Your power and glory to those around me.

9. I pray for divine fire to sustain me through trials and challenges, knowing that You are refining my faith.

10. Father, help me to maintain the fire of Your presence in my life, guarding it against distractions and sin.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. The divine fire of God will consume every area of your life that is not aligned with His will.

2. You will carry the fire of God everywhere you go, bringing transformation and revival.

3. Divine fire will purify your heart, mind, and soul, making you holy and fit for God’s use.

4. You will never lack the fire of God, as it will continually burn in your life, empowering you for greater works.

5. The fire of God will be a witness of His presence and power in your life, drawing others to Christ.

6. Every spirit of lukewarmness is being removed, and divine fire is taking its place.

7. Divine fire will ignite your passion for God’s kingdom and empower you to take bold steps in His purpose.

8. The fire of God will be your source of strength and courage in every battle you face.

9. Your life will be a reflection of God’s glory, as His fire refines and empowers you.

10. You will experience a fresh outpouring of divine fire that will bring revival to your home, church, and community.