Don't Let the Fire of God Burn Out

**Sermon Title:** Don't Let the Fire of God Burn Out

**Scripture References:**

- Leviticus 6:12-13

- 2 Timothy 1:6-7

- Romans 12:11-12

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### Introduction

The fire of God represents His presence, passion, and power in our lives. From the Old Testament altar to the Day of Pentecost, the fire of God has always symbolized His divine presence. But like any fire, if not properly tended, it can burn out. Today, I want to encourage you: **Don't let the fire of God burn out in your life!**

### 1. **The Fire on the Altar Must Be Kept Burning (Leviticus 6:12-13)**

In Leviticus, God commands the priests to keep the fire on the altar burning continuously. The priests were responsible for adding wood each morning and making sure the fire never went out.

#### **Application:**

- **Our Role as Priests:** As believers, we are now called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). We have a responsibility to tend to the fire of God in our own hearts.

- **Daily Devotion:** Just as the priests had to add wood to the fire every day, we must regularly feed our spiritual fire with prayer, worship, and the Word of God. If we neglect these things, the fire can dwindle.

What "wood" are you adding to keep the fire burning in your heart?

2. **Fan Into Flame the Gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6-7)**

Paul reminds Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God." This implies that the fire can grow weak or small if it is not nurtured. Just because the fire once burned brightly doesn’t mean it will stay that way without effort.

**Fan the Flame:** Fanning a flame requires intentional action. We fan the flame of God's presence by actively seeking Him, using our gifts, and stepping out in faith.

- **Fight Fear and Inaction** Paul also tells Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Sometimes fear, doubt, or discouragement can put out the fire. We must confront these and replace them with power, love, and a sound mind.

What steps can you take to fan into flame the gifts God has placed in you?

3. **Keep Your Spiritual Fervor (Romans 12:11-12)**

Paul exhorts believers to "never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." The term "fervor" is derived from the Latin word "fervēre," which means "to boil." God desires us to have a boiling, fervent passion for Him.

- **Stay Passionate for God:** It’s easy to become complacent or lukewarm in our faith. Revelation 3:15-16 warns against being lukewarm. God wants us to be on fire for Him.

- **Overcome Spiritual Laziness:** Romans 12:11 connects fervor with serving the Lord. If you find your fire waning, get involved in serving others, sharing the Gospel, or joining a ministry. When we serve, our passion is renewed.

Are there areas in your life where you've become spiritually complacent? How can you reignite your zeal?

4. **Avoid the Fire Extinguishers**

There are many things that can extinguish the fire of God in our lives if we are not careful. Here are a few "fire extinguishers" to be aware of:

- **Sin:** Unconfessed sin can put out the fire. Sin creates a barrier between us and God. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."

- **Distractions:** The busyness of life can take our focus away from God. When we prioritize work, entertainment, or even ministry over our relationship with God, our fire can dwindle.

- **Doubt and Unbelief:** When we allow doubt and unbelief to take root, they can quench the Spirit’s fire in our hearts.

What are the fire extinguishers in your life, and how can you remove them?

5. **Seek the Holy Spirit's Fresh Fire**

In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descended on the believers with tongues of fire. This was a fresh outpouring of God’s presence and power. Just as the early church sought the fire of God, we must continually seek the Holy Spirit's fresh fire.

- **Pray for Fresh Fire:** Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you anew every day. Just as we need fresh air to breathe, we need the fresh wind of the Spirit to keep the fire burning.

- **Yield to the Spirit:** The Holy Spirit is the source of the fire. We need to be open, yielded, and responsive to His guidance.

When was the last time you asked God for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit?

**Conclusion**

The fire of God is precious. It is His presence, His passion, and His power in us. But like any fire, it requires care, attention, and dedication to keep it burning. Today, I challenge you: Don’t let the fire of God burn out in your life. Keep the altar of your heart ablaze with His presence!

**Prayer:**

"Lord, we ask for Your fire to burn brightly in our hearts. Help us to fan into flame the gift You have given us. Remove anything that would try to extinguish Your fire in our lives. Holy Spirit, fill us anew with Your presence and power. Let our hearts be set ablaze with a passion for You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

**Call to Action:**

This week, make a commitment to spend time each day in God's presence. Add "wood" to the fire through prayer, worship, and reading the Word. Ask God to reveal any areas of your life where the fire has gone out, and seek a fresh infilling of His Spirit. Let's keep the fire burning!