HOW TO SUSTAIN THE FIRE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Leviticus 6:12-13
Supporting Texts: 2 Timothy 1:6, Romans 12:11, Revelation 3:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Hebrews 12:29
INTRODUCTION:
When God ignites His fire in a person’s life—whether through salvation, revival, or an outpouring of the Holy Spirit—it is not meant to burn momentarily and go out. The fire is meant to burn continuously. However, sustaining the fire requires intentionality, discipline, and spiritual sensitivity. Many believers experience the fire of God during revival meetings, conferences, or moments of deep consecration, only to find it fade away shortly afterward due to negligence or spiritual complacency.
Just as the priests in the Old Testament were instructed to keep the altar fire burning daily without going out, we also have a responsibility to maintain the spiritual flame God has kindled in us. A burning fire symbolises spiritual fervency, passion, and communion with God. Without it, we become lukewarm, ineffective, and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.
In this sermon, we will explore how to sustain the fire of God in our lives so that we may live consistently in His presence, power, and purpose.
1. STAY CONNECTED TO THE WORD OF GOD
a) The Word fuels the fire (Jeremiah 23:29):
The Word of God is like a fire that ignites passion and purges impurities. Regular study of the Word strengthens our spiritual foundation and keeps our hearts burning with truth.
b) Meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8):
Meditation on Scripture feeds your spirit and sharpens your discernment. It keeps the fire alive by providing constant spiritual nourishment.
c) The Word reveals God’s nature (John 1:1):
The more we engage with the Word, the more we know God. This deepens our intimacy and fans the flame of love and devotion in our hearts.
d) The Word convicts and corrects (2 Timothy 3:16):
It confronts sin and redirects us when we stray, ensuring that nothing quenches the fire within us.
Biblical Example: The two disciples on the road to Emmaus experienced burning hearts as Jesus expounded the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:32).
2. MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT PRAYER LIFE
a) Prayer stirs the fire of intimacy (Luke 5:16):
Jesus withdrew often to pray, maintaining His connection with the Father. Prayer keeps us in communion with God, the source of the fire.
b) Prayer ignites spiritual power (James 5:16):
Fervent prayer energises our faith and releases divine intervention. It sustains the fire of passion and boldness.
c) Prayer aligns us with God’s will (Matthew 6:10):
As we pray, we surrender to God's purpose, fuelling our desire to live in obedience and holiness.
d) Prayer keeps us alert and sensitive (Mark 14:38):
It preserves our spiritual alertness, helping us overcome temptation and remain spiritually fervent.
Biblical Example: The apostles in the Upper Room prayed consistently until the fire of Pentecost came upon them (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1-4).
3. STAY AWAY FROM SPIRITUAL COMPROMISE
a) Sin quenches the fire (1 Thessalonians 5:19):
Any form of unrepented sin gradually extinguishes the fire of God. We must be quick to repent and walk in righteousness.
b) Compromise leads to lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16):
Spiritual complacency is dangerous. The fire dwindles when we try to live on the edge of holiness and worldliness.
c) Guard your eye and ear gates (Psalm 101:3):
What we consume influences our spiritual temperature. Avoiding corrupt influences keeps the fire burning clean and strong.
d) Run from environments that drain your fire (2 Timothy 2:22):
Flee from youthful lusts and unholy associations. Choose companions who inspire your passion for God.
Biblical Example: Samson compromised with Delilah, and it cost him his fire and strength (Judges 16:20).
4. FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BURNING BELIEVERS
a) Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17):
Surrounding yourself with other passionate believers sharpens your faith and keeps your spiritual flame alive.
b) Don’t forsake gathering together (Hebrews 10:25):
Corporate fellowship is a channel for encouragement, accountability, and impartation.
c) Be part of a Bible-believing church (Acts 2:42):
The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and prayer, and the fire never died.
d) Isolation weakens the fire (Ecclesiastes 4:10):
A lone coal soon dies out, but together, we can maintain spiritual warmth and vibrancy.
Biblical Example: After Peter was isolated, he denied Jesus, but restoration came when he reconnected with the brethren (Luke 22:54-62; John 21:15-19).
5. ENGAGE IN KINGDOM SERVICE
a) Serving keeps you spiritually active (Romans 12:11):
Being diligent in the Lord’s work keeps your spirit burning and your heart connected to God's mission.
b) Use your gifts for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:10):
Every gift given by God is a tool to glorify Him and build others up, thus fuelling the fire of purpose and fulfilment.
c) Evangelism fans the flames (2 Corinthians 5:20):
Sharing your faith stirs the fire within and spreads it to others, increasing your zeal and joy.
d) Don’t be idle in God’s vineyard (Matthew 20:6):
An idle Christian quickly becomes a cold Christian. Stay active and fruitful in God’s service.
Biblical Example: Paul’s continual ministry, despite hardship, kept him burning for Christ until the end (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
CONCLUSION:
The fire of God is not a one-time experience but a lifestyle of passionate pursuit, daily communion, and fervent obedience. We are called not only to catch the fire but to sustain it, guarding it against compromise, distraction, and complacency. Like the priests who kept the altar burning daily, we must continually feed the fire through prayer, Word study, fellowship, and service.
If we remain intentional and devoted, the fire will keep burning brighter, drawing others to Christ and transforming our lives into living flames of revival. Don’t let your fire go out—guard it, feed it, and let it burn continuously.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, rekindle every dying fire in my heart.
2. Father, help me to be faithful in prayer and study of Your Word.
3. I reject every spirit of spiritual complacency and lukewarmness.
4. Let my altar be alive with fire every day.
5. Grant me grace to flee from anything that quenches the fire.
6. Fill me afresh with the fire of the Holy Ghost.
7. Connect me with people who will stir my passion for God.
8. Use me as a burning vessel for Your kingdom.
9. Let my life inspire revival in others.
10. I receive strength to keep burning for Jesus until the end.
