Standing In The Fire

Standing In The Fire

Hebrews 12:27–29 ESV

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

Introduction — The Nature of God’s Fire

Fire in Scripture represents purity, power, and presence.

God’s fire is not destructive to the righteous—it’s refining.

The fire of God consumes everything that is false, fleshly, and faithless, leaving only what is true, holy, and eternal.

I. Those Untouched by the Fire

Many come near the flame but never let it consume them.

They live around revival but never experience renewal.

A. They rest in False Hopes

Trusting in religion, not relationship.

Depending on works, not grace.

2 Timothy 3:5 “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

B. The offer False Sacrifices

Offering to God what costs them nothing (2 Samuel 24:24).

2 Samuel 24:24 “But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”

Giving leftovers instead of firstfruits.

C. They lift up False Worship

Worship with lips, but hearts far away (Isaiah 29:13).

Isaiah 29:13 “And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,”

Emotion without devotion; praise without surrender.

D. They Listen to False Prophets

Those who speak but were never sent.

Words that tickle ears but never transform hearts (2 Tim 4:3-4).

2 Timothy 4:3–4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

2 Peter 2:1 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”

II. What True Fire Looks Like

When God’s consuming fire falls, it doesn’t just excite—it transforms.

A. The Fire of God will Burn Away What Is Not of God

Removes pride, impurity, and all pretending.

Like gold refined in fire, it separates the real from the counterfeit.

B. Will set Your Heart on fire with Passion for the things of God.

Fireless faith is lifeless faith.

Jeremiah 20:9 “If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.”

C. It Will Transform Your Worship

Worship becomes authentic, not performative.

No one can worship for you.

Worship comes from a place that reflects where you have been.

The fire of God makes worship about His presence, not our preference.

D. It Will Refine You to Bring Out Your Best

There is no mediocre christianity. there is only hot or cold.

you can’t be impactful and be halfhearted.

God’s fire isn’t meant to destroy you—it’s meant to develop you.

Malachi 3:3 — “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”

III. What a Consumed Believer Is Not

Before the fire refines, it must remove the things that resist it.

A. Not Controlled by the Flesh

A consumed believer doesn’t live by emotion or impulse.

Romans 8:8–9 “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

B. Controlled by the Spirit

The Holy Spirit becomes the source of direction, discipline, and discernment.

Galatians 5:25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

C. Not a Church Hopper

A consumed believer plants roots where God places them.

Psalm 92:13 — “Those planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish.”

IV. What a Consumed Believer Looks Like

A life completely surrendered to God’s fire looks different.

A. Sold Out for God

No divided loyalties, no compromise.

Philippians 3:8 — “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.”

B. Passionate About Soul Winning

Fire spreads—if you’re on fire for God, others will catch it.

Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission becomes a personal mission.

C. Committed to the Cause of Christ

In other words you are for what God is for. Righteous living, Repentence, Biblical standards.

Willing to serve, sacrifice, and stand.

Luke 9:62 — “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom.”

D. Faithful, Available, and Teachable

Not perfect, but pliable.

God uses those who stay faithful, make themselves available, and remain teachable.

Conclusion — When the Fire Falls

The same fire that consumed the sacrifice on Elijah’s altar is the same fire that wants to consume your life.

Don’t run from the fire—invite it.

Let God burn away what is shakable so that only what is eternal remains.

When God’s consuming fire touches your life, you’ll never be the same.