THE FIRE MUST NOT GO OUT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Leviticus 6:12-13
"And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."
Supporting Texts: Romans 12:11, Matthew 25:1-13, Acts 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION
In the Old Testament, God commanded that the fire on the altar must never go out. This fire represented God’s presence, holiness, and continuous fellowship with His people. It was the responsibility of the priests to ensure that the fire was kept burning day and night. This is a powerful spiritual lesson for us as believers today. The fire of God in our lives represents our passion, zeal, and devotion to Him. Just as the priests were commanded to maintain the fire on the altar, we are also called to sustain the fire of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
In our generation, many believers start with great zeal but later become spiritually cold due to distractions, complacency, sin, or trials of life. A fire left unattended will eventually go out. This is why we must be vigilant in our spiritual lives, ensuring that nothing quenches the fire of God within us. Paul exhorts in Romans 12:11, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” To be fervent in spirit means to keep the fire of God burning within us continually.
Revival is not a one-time event; it must be sustained. The Holy Spirit desires to fill us continually so that we remain ablaze for God. Every believer must take responsibility for maintaining their spiritual fire through prayer, the Word, worship, and holy living. As we explore this topic, may we be stirred to fan the flames of God’s presence in our lives so that our fire will never go out!
1. THE FIRE REPRESENTS GOD’S PRESENCE
The fire on the altar symbolised God’s presence among His people.
a) A Sign of Divine Approval
God initially lit the fire Himself, showing that it was holy (Leviticus 9:24).
b) A Symbol of the Holy Spirit
The fire represents the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Acts 2:3-4).
c) A Call to Intimacy with God
A burning fire means an active, vibrant relationship with God (James 4:8).
d) A Mark of Distinction
Those who carry God’s fire stand out in their generation (Exodus 3:2-4).
e) Biblical Example: Moses and the Burning Bush
God revealed Himself to Moses through fire, signifying His presence and call (Exodus 3:2-4).
2. FACTORS THAT CAN QUENCH THE FIRE
The fire must be guarded against things that can extinguish it.
a) Sin and Disobedience
Sin separates us from God and quenches His fire (Isaiah 59:2).
b) Spiritual Laziness
Neglecting prayer, Bible study, and fellowship weakens the fire (Matthew 26:41).
c) Distractions and Worldliness
Focusing on material things rather than God leads to spiritual coldness (1 John 2:15-17).
d) Lack of Spiritual Discipline
Revival must be maintained through daily commitment to God (1 Corinthians 9:27).
e) Biblical Example: The Foolish Virgins
They lost their fire because they did not maintain enough oil (Matthew 25:1-13).
3. HOW TO KEEP THE FIRE BURNING
The fire must be sustained through spiritual discipline and commitment.
a) Daily Fellowship with God
Spending time in prayer and the Word fuels our spiritual fire (Psalm 63:1-2).
b) Continual Infilling of the Holy Spirit
We must seek fresh anointing regularly (Ephesians 5:18).
c) Consistent Worship and Thanksgiving
A heart of worship keeps the fire of God alive (Psalm 100:4).
d) Holiness and Righteous Living
God’s fire burns in vessels that are pure and consecrated (2 Timothy 2:21).
e) Biblical Example: The Early Church
They kept the fire burning through prayer, fellowship, and evangelism (Acts 2:42-47).
4. THE POWER OF A BURNING FIRE
A believer who is on fire for God will manifest divine power and transformation.
a) Boldness in Spiritual Matters
A burning fire produces confidence in Christ (Acts 4:31).
b) Supernatural Breakthroughs
Miracles and signs follow those who carry divine fire (Mark 16:17-18).
c) Effective Evangelism and Soul-Winning
A person on fire for God naturally draws others to Him (John 4:29-30).
d) Victory Over the Enemy
The fire of God destroys the works of darkness (Luke 10:19).
e) Biblical Example: Elijah on Mount Carmel
God answered Elijah with fire, proving His power and authority (1 Kings 18:38-39).
5. FIRE AS A LIFESTYLE
A life that burns for God should be evident in daily living.
a) Burning with Love for God and People
True revival manifests in love for God and others (1 John 4:7-8).
b) Commitment to God’s Work
Those on fire for God are passionate about kingdom service (Romans 12:11).
c) A Life of Prayer and Intercession
A burning believer prays without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
d) Boldness in Spiritual Warfare
A burning life is victorious over sin and the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
e) Biblical Example: Paul the Apostle
Paul’s passion for Christ never faded despite trials and persecution (Philippians 3:13-14).
CONCLUSION
The fire of God is not optional; it is necessary for every believer. A cold Christian is ineffective and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. God desires that we remain ablaze for Him, just as the fire on the altar in the Old Testament was never to go out. Spiritual dryness and lukewarmness must not be tolerated; rather, we must fan the flames of our faith daily.
If we have allowed our fire to grow dim, we must cry out to God for renewal. Let us rededicate our hearts, rekindle our passion, and stir up the gifts within us. May our lives be a reflection of God’s power and glory, and may our fire never go out!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, set my heart on fire for You and let my passion never die.
2. Father, remove every sin and distraction that quenches my spiritual fire.
3. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh and keep me burning for Your glory.
4. Lord, let my life be a light that draws others to You.
5. Father, rekindle revival in my heart, my family, and my generation.
