Go! And Encounter The Fire Of God - Hebrews 12:29 Series

Go! And Encounter the Fire of God - Hebrews 12:29

Introduction:

The fire of God is a powerful theme throughout Scripture. Fire represents His presence, His guidance, His judgment, His refining work, and His power. From the burning bush where God revealed Himself to Moses to the fire that led the Israelites by night, to the purifying fire of His holiness, Scripture reminds us that God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Today, let us explore how the fire of God impacts our lives and how we are called to respond.

1. The Fire of God Reveals Who He Is

Exodus 3:14 (NLT): God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.”

When Moses encountered God in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-14), he was given a revelation of God's name—"I AM WHO I AM." The fire that burned but did not consume revealed God's eternal, self-existent nature. In Hebrew, this name is YHWH (Yahweh), signifying God's unchanging, eternal being.

Fire is a symbol of God's presence, but unlike earthly fire, His fire does not destroy unless it is for purification or judgment.

Just as Moses encountered God's presence in the fire, we, too, are invited to encounter the Holy One.

Our response should be reverence and obedience, just as Moses removed his sandals in recognition of God's holiness.

A.W. Tozer wrote, “God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible—what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.”

Are we willing to step into God’s fire and hear His call?

2. The Fire of God Guides His People

Exodus 13:21 (NLT): The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.

As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, God manifested His presence in a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. This visible sign was both guidance and protection.

The Hebrew word for "pillar" (ammûd) means a column, signifying stability and unwavering direction.

God's fire did not just illuminate—it protected His people from their enemies (Exodus 14:24).

Today, God’s presence still guides us through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

Are we following the fire of God's presence, or are we wandering in our own direction?

Imagine a lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore. The fire of God is our lighthouse in the storms of life, ensuring we do not drift off course.

3. The Fire of God Brings Victory

Exodus 15:7 (NLT): In the greatness of your majesty, you overthrow those who rise against you. You unleash your blazing fury; it consumes them like straw.

After God delivered Israel from Egypt, they praised Him for His power over their enemies. The fire of God symbolizes His righteous judgment against those who oppose Him.

The phrase "blazing fury" refers to God's consuming justice against sin.

In Hebrew, "consume" (?akal) means to devour completely, showing the completeness of God's victory.

God’s fire is not just for destruction—it is for deliverance!

A blacksmith purifies metal by fire, removing impurities. God’s fire refines His people while bringing judgment on sin.

4. The Fire of God Descends in Glory

Exodus 19:18 (NLT): All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently.

When God gave the Law at Sinai, He appeared in fire, signifying His power and holiness.

Fire on Sinai demonstrated God's overwhelming presence.

The Hebrew word for "descended" (yarad) means to come down with purpose.

This fire was both awesome and terrifying—a reminder that we serve a holy God.

5. The Fire of God Refines Us

Malachi 3:2-3 (NLT): “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.”

God's refining fire purifies His people, just as a refiner removes dross from gold.

The Hebrew word for "refiner" (?araph) means to test and purify.

God refines us through trials, removing the impurities of sin.

Just as gold is purified by intense heat, our faith is strengthened through challenges (1 Peter 1:7).

6. The Fire of God Consumes

Hebrews 12:29 (NLT): For our God is a devouring fire.

The fire of God is not just refining—it is also consuming for those who reject Him.

The Greek word for "devouring" (katanalisko) means to utterly consume.

Those who reject God will face His judgment.