PENTECOST: WHAT IS FIRE?
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 2:1-4
Supporting Texts: Matthew 3:11, Leviticus 6:12–13, Hebrews 12:29, Luke 24:32
INTRODUCTION:
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down as a mighty rushing wind, and tongues like fire rested upon each of the disciples. This fire was not physical—it was spiritual, but its effects were powerful and undeniable. From that moment, the timid became bold, the fearful became fearless, and the ordinary were transformed into vessels of divine power. Fire is a consistent biblical symbol of God's presence, purification, and power.
Understanding the meaning and purpose of this divine fire is essential if we are to walk in the fullness of Pentecost. Fire is not just about excitement or noise; it represents the very essence of God working in and through a person. When God’s fire comes, it consumes, it transforms, and it empowers.
Let us now examine what fire means in the context of Pentecost and how this divine fire still operates in the lives of believers today.
1. FIRE REPRESENTS THE PRESENCE OF GOD
God often reveals Himself through fire to show His glory and nearness.
a) God revealed Himself in a burning bush to Moses (Exodus 3:2):
This fire burned the bush without consuming it, symbolising a divine presence that sustains rather than destroys.
b) Fire filled the temple in Solomon’s day (2 Chronicles 7:1):
When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven, showing that God accepted the offering and was present with His people.
c) Pentecost fire settled on every believer (Acts 2:3):
Each tongue of fire represented God’s personal indwelling in every disciple.
d) Fire is God’s abiding presence (Hebrews 12:29):
For our God is a consuming fire—His presence purifies and cannot be ignored.
Biblical Example: God’s presence led Israel by fire at night in the wilderness, assuring them of His guidance and protection (Exodus 13:21-22).
2. FIRE PURIFIES AND CLEANSES
Before God can use a person fully, He purifies them through His fire.
a) The fire burns away sin and impurities (Malachi 3:2-3):
Like a refiner’s fire, God purges His people to make them pure and acceptable.
b) Fire is a symbol of sanctification (Isaiah 6:6-7):
A live coal from the altar touched Isaiah’s lips to cleanse him and prepare him for his prophetic mission.
c) The Holy Spirit refines our hearts (Titus 2:14):
He purifies for Himself a people zealous for good works.
d) The believer must remain on God’s altar (Romans 12:1):
A living sacrifice must stay where the fire can continue its work of transformation.
Biblical Example: Peter, who denied Jesus three times, was purified and transformed by the fire of the Holy Spirit into a bold preacher at Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41).
3. FIRE EMPOWERS FOR WITNESS AND SERVICE
The fire of Pentecost enabled the disciples to do what they could not do before.
a) The fire released boldness to speak (Acts 4:31):
After being filled, they spoke the word of God with boldness, even under threat.
b) Fire brings supernatural gifts and utterance (1 Corinthians 12:7-11):
Tongues of fire came with spiritual gifts—languages, prophecy, and miracles.
c) Fire gives divine authority (Luke 10:19):
The believer receives power to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy.
d) Fire breaks the fear barrier (2 Timothy 1:7):
The Spirit of God is not one of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.
Biblical Example: Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost and fire, performed signs and wonders and boldly confronted opposition until death (Acts 6:8-15).
4. FIRE IGNITES PASSION FOR GOD AND HIS KINGDOM
Fire stirs a burning desire to seek, serve, and glorify God.
a) Fire produces a heart that burns with devotion (Luke 24:32):
"Did not our hearts burn within us…?" the disciples said after Jesus opened the Scriptures.
b) Fire compels us to evangelise (Jeremiah 20:9):
Jeremiah described God's word as a fire shut up in his bones that he could not hold in.
c) Fire consumes lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16):
God wants us to be hot, not lukewarm—His fire produces spiritual fervency.
d) Fire creates a burden for revival (Isaiah 62:1):
"I will not keep silent"—a man with fire cannot ignore the spiritual state of his land.
Biblical Example: Paul’s passion was so intense that he travelled tirelessly across nations, preaching Christ with fire even in prison (Acts 20:24).
CONCLUSION:
The fire of Pentecost is more than a symbol—it is the reality of God’s active presence, power, and purification in our lives. As believers, we must not only seek this fire but also live in it daily. The fire sets us apart, empowers us for divine assignments, and keeps us burning with holy zeal.
If the fire has grown cold in your life, today is the day to ask God to rekindle it. Pentecost was not a one-time event; it is a lifestyle for every Spirit-filled believer. Let God’s fire burn in your heart, consume your will, and shine through your life. You were born to burn for Jesus!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, let Your fire fall afresh upon my life.
2. Father, purify me with the fire of Your Spirit.
3. Rekindle my passion for You and Your kingdom.
4. Set me ablaze for evangelism and service.
5. Let every form of spiritual lukewarmness be consumed.
6. Give me boldness to declare Your Word with fire.
7. Let Your fire cleanse every hidden sin in me.
8. Use me as a vessel to spread revival fire.
9. Lord, make my heart burn with love for You.
10. Fill me daily with the Holy Ghost and fire.
