STRANGE FIRE ON THE ALTAR
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Leviticus 10:1-3
Supporting Texts: Numbers 3:4, Exodus 30:7-9, 1 Samuel 13:8-14, Malachi 1:6-10, Acts 5:1-11
INTRODUCTION:
The altar is a sacred meeting place between God and man. It is where God's glory is revealed, His fire falls, and divine instructions are given. However, not every fire that appears on an altar is from God. Some fires are strange—unauthorised, counterfeit, or flesh-generated. These are what the Bible calls “strange fire.”
Strange fire represents anything offered to God that is outside His instruction, unholy in motive, or defiled in nature. In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offered strange fire before the Lord and were consumed instantly. God is a God of order, and He does not accept just anything offered to Him.
Today, strange fire still burns—through self-exalting worship, unauthorised ministry, hypocrisy, emotional manipulation, and carnal service. This message serves as a warning to ensure that what we offer God is holy, acceptable, and in line with His will.
1. WHAT IS STRANGE FIRE?
Strange fire is unauthorised or unholy offering brought before God. It looks spiritual outwardly, but lacks divine backing or purity of heart.
a) Strange fire is man-initiated, not God-commanded (Leviticus 10:1):
Nadab and Abihu acted presumptuously without instruction. Worship must be as God has prescribed.
b) It is often driven by pride or performance (1 Samuel 13:9-13):
Saul’s offering was strange because he acted out of fear and pride, not obedience.
c) Strange fire seeks attention, not God’s glory (Matthew 6:1-5):
Service meant to impress people rather than please God is strange fire.
d) It may be mixed with impurity (Malachi 1:7-10):
When people offer polluted sacrifices, God rejects it, no matter how religious it looks.
Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira brought an offering that looked holy but was mixed with deceit (Acts 5:1–11).
2. THE DANGER OF OFFERING STRANGE FIRE
Strange fire provokes divine judgment and hinders God's presence from manifesting in our lives.
a) It invites divine displeasure (Leviticus 10:2):
God responded with fire not as approval, but as judgment.
b) It cuts people short in destiny (Numbers 3:4):
Nadab and Abihu died without fulfilling their priestly purpose.
c) It opens the door to demonic deception (1 Timothy 4:1):
When people embrace strange fire, they often fall into doctrines of devils.
d) It quenches the true fire of God (1 Thessalonians 5:19):
Carnality and compromise can hinder the move of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical Example: King Saul lost his throne because he offered strange fire by taking on a priestly role unlawfully (1 Samuel 13:13–14).
3. HOW TO AVOID STRANGE FIRE
We must maintain a heart of reverence and obedience to avoid offering what God has not ordained.
a) Know and follow God’s instructions (Exodus 30:7–9):
God gave Aaron clear instructions on incense—anything else was forbidden.
b) Serve God with a pure heart (Psalm 24:3–4):
Clean hands and a pure heart are essential for acceptable worship.
c) Be filled with the genuine Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18):
Strange fire often comes when people serve without the Spirit's leading.
d) Avoid imitation; seek authentic encounters (John 4:24):
God desires worship in spirit and truth, not religious performance.
Biblical Example: Abel’s offering was accepted because it was offered in faith and sincerity (Genesis 4:4).
CONCLUSION:
The fire that comes from heaven purifies, empowers, and glorifies God. But the strange fire from man’s will, pride, or sin brings judgment. In our worship, ministry, and service, we must ensure we offer only what God desires. Let us purify our motives, align our actions with God’s Word, and seek authentic encounters with the Holy Spirit.
It is not enough to bring fire—it must be fire approved by heaven.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, purge my heart of every strange motive in my worship and service.
2. Father, help me to always follow Your instruction in everything I offer to You.
3. Let the fire on my altar be genuine, holy, and pleasing to You.
4. I reject every form of performance-based or flesh-driven service.
5. Holy Spirit, expose and uproot every strange fire in my life.
6. Lord, keep me from pride, hypocrisy, and religious showmanship.
7. I receive grace to serve with clean hands and a pure heart.
8. Let the spirit of discernment increase in my life to detect strange fire.
9. My altar will not be defiled by compromise or imitation.
10. Lord, let Your true fire fall on my life, my altar, and my ministry.
