The God Who Answers By Fire Series

THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 18:1-46

Supporting Texts: Malachi 3:18; Hebrews 12:29; James 5:17-18; Jeremiah 20:9; Psalm 24:3-5

INTRODUCTION:

1 Kings 18 is one of the most dramatic and powerful chapters in Scripture. Israel was in deep apostasy, with the worship of Baal promoted by Ahab and Jezebel. The land had endured a prolonged drought—a divine judgment for national rebellion. Yet, in this moment of crisis, God raised Elijah to bring the nation to a place of decision.

This chapter climaxes at Mount Carmel, where Elijah boldly challenges the prophets of Baal and calls down fire from heaven. The confrontation was not merely a spectacle—it was a divine showdown to restore the hearts of the people to the one true God. This chapter reveals that God answers by fire to distinguish Himself, vindicate His servants, and consume the sacrifices of obedience.

Our generation needs such a revival—a call to abandon all forms of spiritual compromise and return to the Lord who answers by fire.

1. TRUE PROPHETS STAND WHEN OTHERS COMPROMISE

Elijah stood alone in a time when most prophets had gone into hiding or compromise.

a) “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord.” (1 Kings 18:22)

The true prophetic voice often walks a lonely path.

b) Elijah’s courage came from his consecration to God

He did not need numbers; he needed divine backing.

c) In every generation, God is searching for a man who will not bow to Baal

Compromise is easy, but consecration is costly.

d) Prophets who carry fire must first walk through isolation

God refines His vessels before He reveals them.

Biblical Example: Micaiah stood alone against 400 false prophets in Ahab’s court (1 Kings 22:13-14).

2. THE ALTAR MUST BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE FIRE CAN FALL

Before Elijah prayed, he took time to rebuild the broken altar of the Lord.

a) “He repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down.” (1 Kings 18:30)

Revival begins with restoration of worship and repentance.

b) A broken altar represents a broken relationship with God

When worship is abandoned, sin thrives.

c) Before we can see the fire of God, we must return to the place of sacrifice

There must be order, consecration, and surrender.

d) Rebuilding the altar was symbolic of Israel’s need to return to covenant

The fire doesn’t fall on disorder—it falls on divine alignment.

Biblical Example: Hezekiah reopened the temple and restored worship (2 Chronicles 29:3-11).

3. GOD RESPONDS TO SACRIFICE AND FERVENT PRAYER

Elijah offered a water-drenched sacrifice and prayed earnestly.

a) “Hear me, O Lord, that this people may know that You are God.” (1 Kings 18:37)

His prayer was not self-centred—it was for God’s glory.

b) Fire came not because of performance but because of prophetic alignment

No chanting or cutting—just a simple but powerful prayer.

c) God responds to faith-filled, purpose-driven prayer

The fire was God's approval of the sacrifice and His prophet.

d) Our generation needs altars that call down the fire of revival

Hearts must burn again with holy passion.

Biblical Example: The apostles prayed until the fire of the Holy Spirit came (Acts 2:1-4).

4. THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE DEMANDS EXCLUSIVE WORSHIP

After the fire fell, the people cried out and the false prophets were judged.

a) “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39)

A true encounter with God brings repentance and reverence.

b) There can be no coexistence between Baal and Jehovah

God demands loyalty, not spiritual mixture.

c) Idolatry must be judged if revival must continue

The prophets of Baal were executed to purge the land.

d) Fire comes not just to display power, but to purify worship

God’s fire always consumes what is not of Him.

Biblical Example: Jesus cleansed the temple of buyers and sellers to restore true worship (John 2:13-17).

5. AFTER THE FIRE COMES THE RAIN

Following the fire, Elijah prayed again—and the long-awaited rain fell.

a) “There is the sound of abundance of rain.” (1 Kings 18:41)

Rain represents refreshing, restoration, and answered prayer.

b) The same God who brings fire also brings rain

He judges, but He also restores.

c) Divine restoration follows true repentance and alignment

After the people turned their hearts back to God, He reopened the heavens. The rain came as a sign that God's mercy had returned to the land, and the season of drought was over.

d) Persistent prayer is needed to birth visible results

Elijah bowed and prayed seven times until the cloud appeared. Miracles are often birthed through consistent, faith-filled intercession.

Biblical Example: Isaac prayed persistently for Rebekah, and God opened her womb (Genesis 25:21).

CONCLUSION:

1 Kings 18 is a divine call to revival. When a nation turns away from God, He raises voices like Elijah—bold, prayerful, and uncompromising. The God who answers by fire is still alive today. He is calling His people back to the altar, back to pure worship, and back to a place of total surrender.