Fanning The Flames Of The Holy Spirit Series

FANNING THE FLAMES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 2:3-4

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Supporting Texts: 2 Timothy 1:6, Matthew 3:11, Ephesians 5:18, Leviticus 6:12-13, Romans 12:11

INTRODUCTION

The Holy Spirit is represented as fire in Scripture, symbolising power, purity, and divine presence. On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended as tongues of fire, igniting the early believers with supernatural boldness and power. However, just as a fire needs to be maintained to keep burning, we must fan the flames of the Holy Spirit in our lives to remain spiritually vibrant and effective.

Paul exhorted Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him (2 Timothy 1:6), meaning that without intentional effort, the fire of the Spirit can grow dim. Many believers start with zeal but later experience spiritual coldness due to complacency, distractions, or sin. To remain aflame, we must continually fuel our spiritual fire through devotion, obedience, and intimacy with God.

1. KEEPING THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BURNING

For the Holy Spirit’s fire to remain ablaze, it must be continually nurtured.

a) Stay in constant fellowship with God – A life of prayer and worship keeps the fire burning (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

b) Immerse yourself in the Word of God – The Word is fuel for spiritual fire (Jeremiah 20:9).

c) Maintain a lifestyle of holiness – Sin quenches the fire of the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

d) Be filled continually with the Spirit – Spiritual dryness happens when we fail to seek fresh infilling (Ephesians 5:18).

e) Biblical Example: The Burning Bush – God’s presence in the bush burned but was never consumed (Exodus 3:2).

2. HINDRANCES TO THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Several factors can weaken or extinguish the flames of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.

a) Spiritual complacency – Losing passion for God leads to lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16).

b) Prayerlessness and neglect of the Word – A lack of devotion weakens spiritual fire (Luke 18:1).

c) Worldly distractions and compromise – The cares of this world choke spiritual zeal (Mark 4:19).

d) Unbelief and fear – Doubt and fear quench the work of the Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7).

e) Biblical Example: Samson’s Loss of Power – Samson’s anointing faded because of compromise (Judges 16:20).

3. HOW TO FAN THE FLAMES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Fanning the flames requires discipline, passion, and commitment to God’s presence.

a) Stir up the gift within you – Be intentional about developing your spiritual gifts (2 Timothy 1:6).

b) Engage in regular fasting and prayers – Fasting sharpens spiritual sensitivity (Matthew 17:21).

c) Surround yourself with spiritually on-fire believers – Spiritual associations matter (Proverbs 27:17).

d) Be active in kingdom service – Serving God ignites and sustains spiritual fervour (Romans 12:11).

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church – They maintained their fire through prayer, fellowship, and evangelism (Acts 4:31).

4. THE BENEFITS OF A LIFE ON FIRE FOR GOD

A believer who is ablaze with the Holy Spirit will walk in power and impact.

a) Boldness and authority in ministry – The fire of the Spirit empowers for fearless service (Acts 4:13).

b) Supernatural manifestations – Signs and wonders follow those who burn for God (Mark 16:17-18).

c) Deep intimacy with God – The fire of the Spirit draws us closer to God (James 4:8).

d) Victory over sin and the flesh – When the Spirit is ablaze, sin loses its grip (Galatians 5:16).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah on Mount Carmel – Elijah called down fire, demonstrating God’s power (1 Kings 18:38-39).

CONCLUSION

God desires that we remain on fire for Him. The Holy Spirit’s fire in us should not burn out due to negligence or worldliness. Just as the priests in the Old Testament were commanded to keep the fire on the altar burning continually (Leviticus 6:12-13), we must tend to our spiritual flames daily.

Is your spiritual fire still burning strong, or has it grown dim? Will you fan the flames of the Holy Spirit and stay ablaze for God? Now is the time to rekindle your passion and let the fire of the Holy Ghost consume every part of your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in my life.

2. Father, remove every hindrance that is quenching my spiritual fire.

3. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh and set me ablaze for Your glory.

4. Lord, help me to remain steadfast in prayer, the Word, and holiness.

5. Father, make me a vessel of revival and power in this generation.