THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE

THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 18:20-39

Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 23:29, Hebrews 12:29, Psalm 97:3, Malachi 3:2-3, Revelation 1:14

INTRODUCTION:
Fire is a symbol of God's presence, power, and purifying nature. In Scripture, when God wants to reveal Himself in undeniable ways, He often comes in the form of fire. The story of Elijah on Mount Carmel showcases this dimension of God as the One who answers by fire — not just to consume sacrifice, but to turn hearts back to Him. When we call on this God, no power of darkness can withstand His fiery response.

Let us consider what it means for God to answer by fire and how we can align ourselves to experience His consuming presence.

1. GOD’S FIRE PROVES HIS SOVEREIGNTY

a) God is not in competition; He reigns supreme
The fire from heaven confirmed that the Lord alone is God and Baal is nothing (1 Kings 18:24).

b) God's power silences opposition
When fire came down, the prophets of Baal were silenced permanently (1 Kings 18:38-40).

c) God answers to prove His identity
Fire made it evident that Jehovah is the living God (1 Kings 18:39).

d) God's fire brings national revival
The hearts of Israel turned back to God when the fire fell (1 Kings 18:37).

Biblical Example: Elijah on Mount Carmel – The fire proved Jehovah as the true God (1 Kings 18:36-39)

2. GOD’S FIRE CONSUMES THE ENEMY’S WORKS

a) Fire represents divine judgment
The fire of God judges wickedness and destroys altars of iniquity (Psalm 97:3).

b) No strange fire can stand before God's fire
God's fire exposed and ended the deceit of Baal worshippers.

c) The fire consumes every hindrance to revival
Obstacles were removed when the fire came down (Hebrews 12:29).

d) God's fire exposes lies and exalts truth
Everything false was disgraced when God’s fire came (Jeremiah 23:29).

Biblical Example: Nadab and Abihu – consumed by strange fire due to rebellion (Leviticus 10:1-2)

3. GOD’S FIRE REFINES HIS PEOPLE

a) God uses fire to purify hearts
He refines us like gold and silver through His fire (Malachi 3:2-3).

b) The fire burns away spiritual dross
Everything that is not of God is removed in the fire (Isaiah 6:6-7).

c) The fire prepares us for divine service
Fire empowers and commissions (Acts 2:3-4).

d) The fire sanctifies the altar of our lives
Our lives become acceptable through divine fire.

Biblical Example: Isaiah’s cleansing by the burning coal (Isaiah 6:5-7)

4. GOD’S FIRE RESPONDS TO SACRIFICE AND PRAYER

a) The fire fell only after Elijah's prayer
Prayer activates divine fire (1 Kings 18:36-37).

b) Sacrifice must be in order before fire falls
Elijah rebuilt the altar before calling fire (1 Kings 18:30).

c) God honours a heart fully yielded
Surrendered lives attract divine fire (Romans 12:1).

d) Prayer without faith and sacrifice cannot call fire
The prophets of Baal prayed all day with no result.

Biblical Example: Solomon’s dedication prayer — fire came down (2 Chronicles 7:1)

CONCLUSION:
The God who answers by fire is still at work today. He wants to consume your doubts, destroy every strange altar around your life, refine you as gold, and empower you with His fire. The fire of God brings distinction and undeniable proof of His glory in our lives. Prepare the altar of your heart, live in holiness, and call upon Him in faith — the fire will surely fall!

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, answer me by fire and prove Yourself as God in my life.
2. Father, let every strange altar working against me be consumed by Your fire.
3. Lord, purify me by Your holy fire and make me a vessel of honour.
4. Let the fire of revival fall upon my church, family, and nation.
5. O God of Elijah, arise and answer by fire in my battles.
6. Every enemy challenging my God, be silenced by fire.
7. Holy Spirit, baptise me afresh with the fire of Pentecost.
8. Lord, consume every spiritual lukewarmness in my life.
9. By fire, I destroy every work of darkness around me.
10. Father, release Your fire to turn the hearts of men back to You.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You serve the God who answers by fire — your enemies will bow!
2. God’s fire will consume every long-standing battle in your life.
3. The altar of your life will attract divine attention and power.
4. Strange fires around you shall be extinguished.
5. Your prayer life shall be set ablaze with fresh passion.
6. You are refined, purified, and empowered for destiny.
7. God’s fire will bring you into a new season of victory.
8. Your God will prove Himself beyond every doubt.
9. What mocked your God will soon glorify Him.
10. Your sacrifice and prayer will provoke divine intervention!