THE HOLY GHOST AND FIRE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 3:11
Supporting Texts: Acts 2:1-4, Luke 24:49, Isaiah 4:4, Acts 10:38, Romans 12:11
INTRODUCTION:
The coming of the Holy Ghost is not just a theological concept but a divine encounter that transforms ordinary men into vessels of fire and power. John the Baptist declared that Jesus would baptise us with the Holy Ghost and fire. This fire is not destructive like natural fire but purifying, empowering, and refining. It is the fire that burns out sin, fuels passion, ignites purpose, and brings spiritual boldness.
Throughout Scripture, fire symbolises God’s presence, His holiness, and His consuming power. When the Holy Ghost comes with fire, He does not come to dwell quietly but to activate, energise, and enable believers to live supernaturally. Pentecost was not a one-time event—it was the beginning of a lifestyle marked by divine fire.
In this sermon, we will examine how the Holy Ghost and fire work together in the life of a believer, bringing transformation, power, and revival.
1. THE FIRE PURIFIES THE BELIEVER
Before power is released, purity must be established. The fire of the Holy Ghost cleanses the heart of a believer from sin, pride, bitterness, and every impurity.
a) Fire exposes and burns away sin (Malachi 3:2-3):
Just as a refiner uses fire to remove dross from gold, the Holy Spirit purifies our hearts for holy living.
b) Fire brings spiritual sensitivity (Isaiah 6:6-7):
When Isaiah encountered the fire, his lips were purified for divine assignment. The fire awakens our spiritual senses.
c) Fire destroys the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:24):
A Spirit-filled life cannot accommodate carnality. The fire of the Spirit kills the desires that oppose God.
d) Fire prepares vessels for God’s use (2 Timothy 2:21):
Only refined vessels can carry the glory of God. Purity is a prerequisite for divine manifestation.
Biblical Example: The tongues of fire in Acts 2 purified the apostles and prepared them to speak boldly without fear.
2. THE FIRE EMPOWERS FOR SERVICE
The baptism of fire equips the believer with supernatural strength to fulfil God’s purpose and walk in spiritual authority.
a) Fire brings boldness for ministry (Acts 4:31):
When the Holy Spirit fills a person, timidity gives way to courage, and they become fearless witnesses.
b) Fire activates spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7):
The Holy Ghost imparts gifts—healing, prophecy, wisdom—to build and edify the Church.
c) Fire makes us effective in prayer (Romans 8:26):
The Spirit empowers our intercession, giving us utterance beyond human comprehension.
d) Fire enables us to break limitations (Micah 3:8):
The fire gives us power to overcome barriers and limitations that resist divine assignment.
Biblical Example: Peter, who once denied Christ, preached boldly to thousands after the fire came upon him (Acts 2:14-41).
3. THE FIRE IGNITES PASSION FOR GOD
When the fire of the Holy Spirit enters a man’s life, he is no longer lukewarm. His heart burns with unquenchable desire for God.
a) Fire fuels a burning desire for the Word (Jeremiah 20:9):
Like Jeremiah, we become restless unless we speak His Word and live His truth.
b) Fire stirs zeal for God's presence (Psalm 42:1-2):
A Spirit-filled believer longs for fellowship with God, not out of obligation but out of deep love.
c) Fire breaks spiritual complacency (Revelation 3:15-16):
The Holy Ghost fire delivers us from being cold or lukewarm, igniting fresh spiritual fervency.
d) Fire compels us to evangelise (Acts 1:8):
A heart set on fire cannot keep the gospel to itself. Evangelism becomes a lifestyle.
Biblical Example: The disciples on the road to Emmaus said, “Did not our hearts burn within us…?” (Luke 24:32), reflecting the fire of revelation.
4. THE FIRE BRINGS REVIVAL AND GLORY
Whenever God wants to bring a move of revival, He sends His fire. The fire of the Holy Spirit stirs the Church into supernatural action and releases God’s glory.
a) Fire turns dry bones into a mighty army (Ezekiel 37:10):
The Holy Spirit revives lifeless people and restores them into divine usefulness.
b) Fire unites the Church in power (Acts 2:1-4):
Pentecost brought unity and birthed the global Church with unstoppable momentum.
c) Fire ushers in signs and wonders (Mark 16:20):
Miracles follow the fire. When God’s presence is manifest, the impossible becomes possible.
d) Fire prepares the Church for Christ’s return (Matthew 25:1-13):
The wise virgins had oil and fire in their lamps. Fire keeps us ready and alert for His coming.
Biblical Example: In Acts 19:11-12, God worked unusual miracles through Paul after he had been filled with the Holy Ghost and fire.
CONCLUSION:
The Holy Ghost and fire are not optional accessories for Christian living—they are divine necessities. Without the fire, our Christianity will be cold, powerless, and ineffective. With the fire, we are purified, empowered, passionate, and ready for God’s glory. This fire must be desired, pursued, and sustained through prayer, obedience, and hunger for God.
Beloved, it’s time to reject spiritual dryness and seek the fresh fire of the Holy Ghost. Let the fire fall again—on our lives, our churches, and our nations. May you be a burning and shining light in this generation.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, baptise me afresh with the Holy Ghost and fire.
2. Purge me of every impurity that quenches Your Spirit.
3. Ignite a fresh hunger for Your presence in me.
4. Let Your fire consume every weakness in my spiritual life.
5. Empower me for bold and effective service in Your kingdom.
6. Rekindle the fire of evangelism in my heart.
7. Make me a vessel of revival and transformation.
8. Restore every gift and grace that has grown cold in me.
9. Let Your fire burn continually on the altar of my heart.
10. Use me to bring fire and glory to my generation.
