THE CONSUMING FIRE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Hebrews 12:29
"For our God is a consuming fire."
Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 4:24, Malachi 3:2-3, Exodus 24:17, 1 Kings 18:38-39, Acts 2:3
INTRODUCTION:
God is revealed in the Bible as a consuming fire, a symbol of His holiness, judgment, and purifying power. Fire represents both destruction and purification, depending on the condition of the recipient. To the righteous, God’s fire refines and empowers; to the wicked, it brings judgment. As we explore this topic, we will understand how God, as the consuming fire, operates in different aspects of life.
1. GOD’S FIRE REVEALS HIS HOLINESS
God’s consuming fire is a sign of His absolute purity and righteousness.
a) God Cannot Tolerate Sin – His holiness demands separation from iniquity (Habakkuk 1:13).
b) His Presence Is Like a Refining Fire – He purifies those who approach Him (Malachi 3:2-3).
c) His Fire Burns Away Impurities – Those who seek Him must allow His fire to refine them (Isaiah 6:5-7).
d) His Holiness Commands Reverence – He is to be approached with fear and honour (Hebrews 12:28).
e) Biblical Example:
Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2-6) – God revealed His holy presence in the fire, commanding Moses to remove his sandals.
2. GOD’S FIRE BRINGS JUDGMENT
God's consuming fire brings destruction upon those who rebel against Him.
a) Judgment on the Wicked – Those who reject God will face His fiery wrath (Isaiah 66:15-16).
b) His Fire Destroys Idolatry – False gods cannot stand before His power (Deuteronomy 9:3).
c) He Consumes Disobedience – Those who defy Him will be judged (Leviticus 10:1-2).
d) No One Can Withstand His Wrath – His fire consumes all opposition (Nahum 1:5-6).
e) Biblical Example:
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25) – God’s fire rained down in judgment against wickedness.
3. GOD’S FIRE EMPOWERS HIS PEOPLE
God’s consuming fire is also a source of strength for His children.
a) His Fire Ignites Passion – He sets hearts ablaze for His kingdom (Luke 24:32).
b) He Empowers with the Holy Spirit – The fire of Pentecost symbolizes divine enablement (Acts 2:3).
c) His Fire Gives Boldness – Those filled with His fire cannot be silenced (Jeremiah 20:9).
d) His Fire Equips for Miracles – Those anointed with His fire do great exploits (Acts 2:43).
e) Biblical Example:
Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38-39) – God answered with fire to demonstrate His power.
4. GOD’S FIRE PURIFIES AND TESTS BELIEVERS
God allows His fire to refine and strengthen His people.
a) He Purifies Like Gold – Trials refine faith as fire refines gold (1 Peter 1:7).
b) He Removes Impurities – His fire burns away what is not of Him (Zechariah 13:9).
c) He Tests Every Work – Our deeds will be judged by fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
d) He Molds Us into His Image – His refining process makes us more like Christ (Romans 8:29).
e) Biblical Example:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3:25-27) – God preserved them through the fire, showing His power.
5. GOD’S FIRE BRINGS REVIVAL AND MANIFESTATION
When God’s fire falls, it brings transformation and revival.
a) Revival Comes with Fire – God’s presence ignites fresh zeal (Psalm 104:4).
b) The Fire of God Separates the Genuine from the False – True believers are marked by His presence (Matthew 3:11-12).
c) His Fire Manifests His Glory – Where His fire is, His presence is evident (Exodus 24:17).
d) He Fills His People with His Power – The Church was birthed in fire (Acts 2:1-4).
e) Biblical Example:
The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) – Tongues of fire rested on the apostles, empowering them for ministry.
CONCLUSION:
God, as a consuming fire, is both a loving purifier and a righteous judge. His fire empowers His people, refines their character, and brings divine intervention. However, those who reject Him will experience His fire in judgment. As believers, we must yield to His refining fire and carry His presence wherever we go.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, let Your holy fire burn away every impurity in my life.
2. Lord, consume every work of darkness around me.
3. O God, ignite fresh passion and zeal for Your kingdom in my heart.
4. Let Your fire fall upon my life and ministry.
5. Lord, empower me with the fire of the Holy Ghost.
6. Every strange fire in my life, be extinguished by the fire of God.
7. O God, manifest Your consuming fire against every opposition in my life.
8. Father, let the fire of revival sweep through my church and community.
9. Let Your refining fire prepare me for greater glory.
10. Lord, I surrender to Your fire—purify, empower, and use me for Your glory.
