Let The Fire Fall
Study Text: 1 Kings 18:36–39
Introduction:
- Throughout Scripture, the fire of God symbolizes His presence, power, purity, and passion.
- When fire falls, hearts are stirred, sin is consumed, altars are ignited, and nations turn back to God.
- In Elijah’s day, the people of Israel were caught between two opinions: worshipping God and Baal. It took the fire of God to restore true worship and national revival.
- Today, we need that same fire — in our hearts, homes, churches, and nation.
- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:
1. The Action of the Fire
2. The Absence of the Fire
3. The Attributes of the Fire
1. The Action of the Fire
- Fire in Scripture represents several divine realities:
1. God’s Presence – Exodus 3:2 – The burning bush.
2. God’s Power – Acts 2:3 – Tongues of fire on the apostles.
3. God’s Purity – Malachi 3:2-3 – He purifies as a refiner’s fire.
4. God’s Passion – Jeremiah 20:9 – “His word was like fire shut up in my bones.”
5. God’s Punishment – Numbers 11:1-3 – Fire consumed murmurers.
- When we pray, “Let fire fall,” we are asking God to reveal His presence, power, and purity again.
- What Happens When the Fire Falls? When divine fire falls, several things occur:
1. Worship is Restored – The people cried, “The LORD, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39)
2. Sin is Consumed – The fire licked up even the dust — no trace of compromise left.
3. Enemies are Defeated – False prophets were destroyed (v.40).
4. Rain is Released – After fire fell, rain followed — fire precedes refreshing (vs 41–45).
5. Destinies are Rekindled – Elijah’s ministry peaked after fire fell.
- When the fire falls, dryness disappears, delay dies, and destiny is delivered.
2 . The Absence of the Fire
-There are so many reasons why the Fire is absent today.
1. Polluted Altars – Many altars are mixed with worldliness and fleshly motives.
2. Prayerlessness – Fireless Christians are prayerless Christians.
3. Powerless Preaching – Eloquence without anointing cannot break yokes.
4. Passionless Worship – Songs without spirit don’t move heaven.
5. Persistent Sin – Fire will not fall on a defiled altar (Lev. 6:12-13).
- If the fire is missing, the altar must be mended.
- How do you position yourself for the fire to fall?
- Elijah followed divine principles before fire fell.
1. Restoration of the Altar – v.30 – “He repaired the altar of the LORD.”
- You cannot host fire on a broken altar. Rebuild prayer, purity, and personal devotion.
2. Reconciliation with Covenant – v.31 – “He took twelve stones…
- Reconnect to covenant obedience and unity of God’s people.
3. Re-dedication of Sacrifice – v.33 – “He put the wood in order.”
- God’s fire falls on order, not confusion. Set your life in divine order.
4. Releasing of Faith-filled Prayer – v.36–37 – Elijah prayed with confidence.
- “Answer me, O Lord!” Faith attracts fire.
- When preparation meets prayer, power manifests.
3. The Attributes of the Fire
- What are the things to expect when fire falls?
When the fire falls:
I. The supernatural becomes natural.
ii. Miracles multiply.
iii. Hearts melt before God.
iv. Churches catch revival flames.
v. Nations bow to His glory.
- The fire fell on Mount Carmel — it can fall again on your altar today.
- Every true revival in history began when men cried, “Lord, let the fire fall!”
Conclusion:
- The world is waiting for a church ablaze with holy fire. The time for lukewarm Christianity is over. The Spirit is calling — “Who will repair the altar? Who will cry for the fire?”
- May your life become a burning altar of divine presence, and may heaven answer you by fire in Jesus name.
