THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 3:11
Supporting Texts: Acts 2:1-4, Luke 24:32, Leviticus 6:12-13, Hebrews 12:29, 1 Kings 18:38
INTRODUCTION:
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is often associated with symbols such as wind, water, oil, and fire. Among these, fire stands out as a powerful emblem of purification, empowerment, and divine presence. John the Baptist made a profound statement in Matthew 3:11 when he declared that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. This speaks of a higher spiritual experience beyond water baptism—a life ignited by the power of God.
In Scripture, fire symbolises God's power to cleanse, consume, and empower. Just as physical fire burns away impurities and provides warmth and light, so also the fire of the Holy Spirit purifies our hearts, energises our spiritual lives, and sets us ablaze for service. The early Church was born in fire on the day of Pentecost, and that same fire is still available today.
Sadly, many believers today live lukewarm, powerless lives because they have lost the fire. They once burned with passion for God, but distractions, sin, or complacency have quenched that flame. The good news is this: the fire can be rekindled! God is still in the business of setting hearts ablaze for His glory.
1. THE FIRE PURIFIES AND CLEANSES
The fire of the Holy Spirit refines our character and burns away impurities.
a) God's fire exposes hidden sin (Malachi 3:2–3):
Just as gold is purified by fire, the Spirit reveals and removes spiritual impurities.
b) The fire convicts and sanctifies (John 16:8):
The Holy Spirit brings conviction, leading to repentance and transformation.
c) Fire burns away spiritual lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15–16):
The fire of the Spirit challenges indifference and stirs us to renewed passion.
d) God desires holy vessels (2 Timothy 2:21):
The fire prepares us to be vessels fit for His use.
Biblical Example: Isaiah’s lips were purified by a live coal from the altar, symbolising spiritual cleansing (Isaiah 6:6–7).
2. THE FIRE EMPOWERS FOR SERVICE
The Holy Spirit’s fire equips believers with supernatural strength and boldness.
a) The fire brings spiritual boldness (Acts 4:31):
Those filled with fire speak the Word of God with authority and courage.
b) The fire imparts spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–11):
The baptism of fire unlocks divine abilities for kingdom service.
c) The fire energises our spiritual life (Romans 12:11):
A fervent spirit comes from being ablaze with the fire of God.
d) Power follows the fire (Acts 1:8):
Jesus promised that power would accompany the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical Example: On the Day of Pentecost, tongues of fire rested on each believer, and they were empowered to witness boldly (Acts 2:1–4).
3. THE FIRE IGNITES SPIRITUAL PASSION
The Holy Spirit’s fire fills us with a consuming zeal for the things of God.
a) Fire stirs hunger for God’s presence (Psalm 63:1):
A burning heart longs to know God more deeply.
b) Fire produces fervent prayer (James 5:16):
When the Spirit’s fire burns within, prayer becomes powerful and effectual.
c) Fire leads to relentless pursuit of souls (2 Corinthians 5:14):
A fiery believer is consumed with passion for the lost.
d) Without fire, spiritual routines become lifeless (Romans 12:1–2):
Fire makes worship and service vibrant and effective.
Biblical Example: The disciples said, “Did not our hearts burn within us?” when Jesus opened the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:32).
4. THE FIRE MUST BE MAINTAINED DAILY
God requires us to tend the fire in our hearts so it does not die out.
a) The fire must be kept burning (Leviticus 6:13):
Just as the priests daily tended the altar, we must maintain spiritual discipline.
b) Prayer and the Word fuel the fire (Jeremiah 20:9):
The fire of God increases through consistent communion with Him.
c) Fellowship with other believers keeps the fire alive (Hebrews 10:25):
Isolation dims the flame; unity keeps it burning bright.
d) Avoid spiritual fire extinguishers (1 Thessalonians 5:19):
Bitterness, sin, disobedience, and distractions can quench the flame.
Biblical Example: Paul instructed Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God within him (2 Timothy 1:6).
5. THE FIRE BRINGS GOD’S GLORY DOWN
Whenever God's fire falls, His presence is manifest in power and glory.
a) Fire is a sign of divine approval (1 Kings 18:38):
When Elijah called on God, fire fell from heaven in response.
b) God’s fire marks divine visitation (Exodus 3:2):
Moses encountered the fire of God at the burning bush.
c) Fire brings revival (2 Chronicles 7:1):
When Solomon prayed, fire fell, and the glory of God filled the temple.
d) The world takes notice when God’s fire is present (Acts 5:12–14):
A church on fire draws multitudes to Christ.
Biblical Example: Elijah called down fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and turned the hearts of the people back to God (1 Kings 18:38–39).
CONCLUSION:
The fire of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event; it is a lifestyle of divine empowerment, purity, passion, and purpose. A Christian without fire is vulnerable to compromise, weariness, and defeat. But a believer who burns with holy fire becomes a powerful instrument in God’s hands.
Let us cry out for the fire of God once again. Let us not be content with cold religion or empty rituals. May our hearts burn with a fresh fire that draws us closer to God and pushes us forward in His mission. The world is waiting for a Church that is truly on fire!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit’s fire.
2. Lord, ignite a fresh fire in my heart today.
3. Burn away every impurity that hinders my walk with You.
4. Empower me with boldness to serve You without fear.
5. Let my spiritual life be vibrant and full of passion.
6. Rekindle every dying flame within me.
7. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit consume every spiritual weakness.
8. Make me a vessel of revival to my generation.
9. Keep my altar burning daily with holy fire.
10. Let Your fire fall upon Your Church again!
