Fanning the Flames: Nurturing God's Fire Within Us
Summary
The fire of God is an essential element in our spiritual journey, a divine spark that must be nurtured and protected. Today, we explored the importance of maintaining this fire in our lives, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Caleb and John the Baptist, who exemplified unwavering passion and commitment to God's call. Caleb, even after 45 years, remained as fervent as ever, ready to claim the promises of God. This is the kind of enduring fire we need—a fire that doesn't wane with time or adversity.
We also examined the story of Demas, who started strong but eventually lost his fire, choosing the allure of the world over his commitment to God. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that our spiritual fervor can diminish if not carefully guarded. The fire of God requires intentionality; it demands that we turn aside, like Moses, to truly see and engage with what God is doing in our lives.
The fire is not just for personal transformation but also for igniting revival in others. John Wesley's quote, "Set yourself on fire for God, and people will come and watch you burn," encapsulates this idea. Our passion for God should be evident, drawing others to the light of Christ. This fire is cultivated through prayer, worship, and engagement with God's Word, as seen in the tabernacle's perpetual flames.
Moreover, the fire of God purifies and transforms us, separating the fruitful from the unfruitful. It empowers us to step out in faith, overcoming fear and embracing the supernatural gifts God has bestowed upon us. As we fan these flames, we become catalysts for revival, lighting the way for others to follow.
In this hour, let us commit to guarding and nurturing the fire within us. Let us separate from anything that dampens our passion and instead, fan the flames of our gifts and calling. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God's fire, shining brightly for all to see.
Key Takeaways:
- Enduring Fire: Caleb's unwavering faith, even after 45 years, exemplifies the enduring fire we need in our lives. This fire doesn't diminish with time or adversity but grows stronger as we hold onto God's promises. We must cultivate a spirit that remains ready and willing to pursue God's call, regardless of the challenges we face. [40:17]
- Guarding Our Fire: The story of Demas serves as a warning about the dangers of losing our spiritual fervor. We must be vigilant in guarding our fire, ensuring that worldly distractions do not extinguish our passion for God. This requires intentionality and a commitment to continually seek God's presence and purpose. [42:25]
- Intentional Engagement: Like Moses, we must turn aside with intention to see and engage with what God is doing. This involves setting our hearts on prayer, worship, and the Word, allowing these practices to fuel our spiritual fire. By doing so, we position ourselves to hear God's voice and respond to His call. [52:28]
- Revival and Influence: Our passion for God should be evident, drawing others to the light of Christ. As we set ourselves on fire for God, we become catalysts for revival, igniting sparks in those around us. This requires a commitment to live out our faith boldly and visibly. [44:56]
- Purification and Transformation: The fire of God purifies and transforms us, separating the fruitful from the unfruitful. It empowers us to step out in faith, embracing the supernatural gifts God has given us. As we fan these flames, we become agents of change, bringing light and hope to a world in need. [01:01:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [37:23] - The Fire of God in Our Lives
- [39:12] - Caleb's Unwavering Faith
- [40:17] - Claiming God's Promises
- [42:25] - The Cautionary Tale of Demas
- [44:56] - Passion for God's Kingdom
- [46:54] - John the Baptist's Fiery Zeal
- [49:33] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Fire
- [52:28] - Intentional Engagement with God
- [54:53] - The Tabernacle's Perpetual Flames
- [57:01] - Being the Light of the World
- [59:23] - Guarding and Fanning Our Fire
- [01:01:56] - Embracing Supernatural Gifts
- [01:03:57] - The Call to Blaze Brighter
- [01:05:22] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Fire of God
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:1-4
2. 2 Timothy 1:6
3. Matthew 3:11
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Caleb, what was his attitude towards the challenges he faced, and how did it reflect his enduring fire for God? [40:17]
2. How did Demas' journey with Paul illustrate the danger of losing one's spiritual fervor? What was the cause of his diminished fire? [42:25]
3. What role did John the Baptist's fiery zeal play in his ministry, and how did it impact those around him? [46:54]
4. How does the encounter of Moses with the burning bush in Exodus 3 demonstrate the importance of intentional engagement with God's presence? [52:28]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Caleb's unwavering faith teach us about maintaining spiritual passion over long periods, especially in the face of adversity? [40:17]
2. How can the story of Demas serve as a warning for modern believers about the distractions of the world? What steps can be taken to guard against this? [42:25]
3. In what ways does John Wesley's quote about setting oneself on fire for God challenge believers to live out their faith more visibly and passionately? [44:56]
4. How does the perpetual fire in the tabernacle symbolize the continuous need for spiritual fervor in a believer's life? What practices can help maintain this fire? [54:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your spiritual fire was strong. What circumstances or practices contributed to that fervor, and how can you replicate them in your current life? [40:17]
2. Identify any "worldly distractions" that might be dampening your spiritual passion. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize their impact? [42:25]
3. Consider the people in your life who might be drawn to the light of Christ through your passion. How can you intentionally set yourself on fire for God to influence them positively? [44:56]
4. Like Moses, how can you intentionally turn aside to engage with what God is doing in your life? What specific actions can you take to deepen your prayer and worship practices this week? [52:28]
5. Think about the gifts God has given you. How can you fan these into flames and use them to serve others and glorify God? What is one specific step you can take to develop these gifts further? [01:01:56]
6. Are there any relationships or activities in your life that are pouring water on your spiritual fire? How can you address these influences to protect and nurture your passion for God? [59:23]
7. How can you be a catalyst for revival in your community? What is one tangible way you can ignite sparks of faith in those around you this week? [46:54]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Unyielding Flame of Faith
The story of Caleb is a powerful testament to the enduring fire of faith. Caleb, even after 45 years, remained fervent and ready to claim the promises of God. His unwavering faith exemplifies the kind of spiritual fire that does not diminish with time or adversity. This fire grows stronger as we hold onto God's promises, cultivating a spirit that remains ready and willing to pursue God's call, regardless of the challenges we face. Caleb's life encourages us to maintain a steadfast commitment to our faith, ensuring that our spiritual fervor remains vibrant and alive. [40:17]
Numbers 14:24 (ESV): "But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it."
Reflection: Consider a promise from God that you have been holding onto. How can you actively nurture your faith to remain steadfast in pursuing this promise, even when faced with challenges?
Day 2: Vigilance Against Spiritual Apathy
The story of Demas serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing our spiritual fervor. Demas started strong but eventually lost his fire, choosing the allure of the world over his commitment to God. This narrative reminds us that our spiritual fervor can diminish if not carefully guarded. We must be vigilant in protecting our fire, ensuring that worldly distractions do not extinguish our passion for God. This requires intentionality and a commitment to continually seek God's presence and purpose in our lives. [42:25]
2 Timothy 4:10 (ESV): "For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia."
Reflection: Identify a worldly distraction that has been pulling you away from your spiritual commitments. What steps can you take today to guard your spiritual fire against this distraction?
Day 3: Intentional Engagement with the Divine
Like Moses, we must turn aside with intention to see and engage with what God is doing in our lives. This involves setting our hearts on prayer, worship, and the Word, allowing these practices to fuel our spiritual fire. By doing so, we position ourselves to hear God's voice and respond to His call. Intentional engagement with God requires us to be proactive in our spiritual disciplines, creating space for God to work in and through us. [52:28]
Exodus 3:3-4 (ESV): "And Moses said, 'I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.' When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, 'Moses, Moses!' And he said, 'Here I am.'"
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to intentionally engage with God, allowing His presence to fuel your spiritual fire?
Day 4: Becoming a Catalyst for Revival
Our passion for God should be evident, drawing others to the light of Christ. As we set ourselves on fire for God, we become catalysts for revival, igniting sparks in those around us. This requires a commitment to live out our faith boldly and visibly, allowing our lives to be a testament to the transformative power of God's fire. By living passionately for God, we inspire others to seek the same fervor and commitment in their own spiritual journeys. [44:56]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement in their faith. How can you be a light to them today, inspiring them to seek a deeper relationship with God?
Day 5: Embracing Purification and Transformation
The fire of God purifies and transforms us, separating the fruitful from the unfruitful. It empowers us to step out in faith, embracing the supernatural gifts God has given us. As we fan these flames, we become agents of change, bringing light and hope to a world in need. Embracing God's fire means allowing it to refine us, removing anything that hinders our spiritual growth and enabling us to live out our calling with boldness and purpose. [01:01:56]
Malachi 3:2-3 (ESV): "But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord."
Reflection: What area of your life needs the purifying fire of God? How can you invite God to transform this area, allowing His fire to refine and empower you for His purposes?
Quotes
1) "We need a fire that doesn't diminish, that we would always burn brightly, that we would never be lukewarm. I've always loved the following quote, siempre me gusta este. It was by John Wesley, a great revivalist in the 17 hundreds. Set yourself on fire for God, and people will come and watch you burn. People are not attracted to the lukewarm. Being passionate for God and his kingdom is the desire of God for our lives. Revival does not come to the lukewarm. But to those who cry out for. Oh, that each one of us would be a reverend revivalist. Each one of us would fan the flames within us and ignite sparks in other people." [44:56] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Hard seasons are never easy to go through. But it's in those very times that smoldering embers can burst into peru. It was in the midst of discouragement that elisha was able to get the double portion. Three times Elijah said to Elisha, go back. Turn around. But Elisha refused. Oh, that we would each declare continually, I'm not going back. But we'd set our face like a flint. Nothing would deter us, but it takes a fire within us. It was silent for 400 years before John the Baptist was born. No prophetic voice. And yet, what did John the Baptist become? He became a voice crying in the wilderness. It was John the Baptist's fiery zeal that broke the silence. Oh, that we would each be a catalyst for revival." [46:54] (114 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The Lord is still desiring to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. And so today I want to look at this fire, for the Lord desires to transform us with the fire of God. Let's begin by looking at Moses encounter with the fire. Exodus three, one, four. Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father in law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the desert and came to horeb the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight. Why the bush does not burn. So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, Moses. Moses. And he said, here I am. So Moses looked, but then, with intention, Moses turned aside to really look and understand. Then Moses declared, here I am, y. I believe we must set our hearts with great intention in this hour." [52:28] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "We need to never let it go out. And so this fire requires us to separate out from what dampens the fire. This fire in our life requires no mixture. It requires us to separate ourselves from those things or people that pour water on our fire. Are there things dampening your fire? We don't want to be demas no. Who's excited one time but then gives up years later? We have to not allow anything to pour water on us, and let us never be those who pour water on other people. Instead, we need to blow upon the embers in our life, and we need to blow on the embers in other people's lives. We must have the word of God burning within us to do that. Paul also spoke to Timothy regarding the gifts that God had given him should also be bursting into flame. Que diosado two timothy one six. Therefore, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands." [01:01:56] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Something powerful happens when we have this fire in our lives. It purifies us. It transforms us. It separates out those things that are fruitful from things that are not. Quenoson, and it sparks revival. I'm going to go ahead and invite the band to come back up. Let the fire of God heat you up in this hour. We need the passion of the Holy spirit flowing within us. We need the fire that cannot be quenched, no matter the level of the fire you have now, each one of us can have more. It's like the days of creation. Day one, God said, let there be. Because there needed to be more light. The sun, the moon and the stars." [01:03:57] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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