“I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matt 3:11
This statement reveals the dual aspect of the Holy Spirit’s work: purification and empowerment. Furthermore, the events of Pentecost, in Acts 2:1-4, vividly illustrate the manifestation of fire. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples as tongues of fire signifies the empowerment and indwelling presence of the Spirit.
Malachi prophesied about the coming of a refining fire. He described it as a purifying force (Mal 3:2-3). This imagery of refining gold through fire symbolises the process of spiritual purification. Similarly, Peter writes about the proven genuineness of faith being refined by fire, resulting in praise and honour (1 Pet 1:7). Through these passages, we understand that fire serves as a metaphor for the cleansing of believers from sin and impurity.
Romans encourages believers to never lack zeal but to maintain spiritual fervour in serving the Lord (Rom 12:11). Fire symbolises the passion and zeal that should characterise the Christian life. Conversely, Revelation warns against lukewarmness, urging believers to be fervent and wholehearted in their devotion (Rev 3:15-16). The transformative work of the Holy Spirit ignites a burning passion within believers, driving them to serve God fervently and fulfil His purposes.
Our involvement in keeping the fire burning is crucial in maintaining the fervency of our spiritual lives and the vibrancy of our Christian community. In the book of Numbers, we see a significant example of this concept in the context of tabernacle worship.
Responsibility for maintaining the altar’s fire rested on the priests; they ensured it never extinguished (Lev 6:12-13). This ancient duty holds profound relevance today. Just as priests tended to the tabernacle fire, we’re tasked with nurturing our faith. Merely receiving a spark of faith isn’t enough; we must actively cultivate it through prayer, worship, studying God’s Word, fellowship, and obedience.
Keeping our faith aflame demands intentionality. We must resist complacency, apathy, and distractions that threaten our devotion. Instead, we fuel our faith’s flames through consistent spiritual disciplines and a vibrant relationship with God.
Moreover, our role extends to the Church. Like the priests collaborating on the tabernacle’s fire, we support each other’s faith journeys. Through love, service, and mutual upliftment, we ignite and sustain faith’s fire in one another.
Paul urges believers not to quench the Spirit but to keep its fervour alive (1 Thes 5:19). Neglecting spiritual disciplines, yielding to sin, or resisting the Spirit suppresses its influence. Instead, Paul prompts believers to maintain a vibrant relationship with God, sensitive to the Spirit’s leading.
Keeping the Spirit’s fire burning necessitates dedication. It means being obedient to His guidance, pursuing spiritual growth through prayer, worship, fellowship, and service. Paul’s call to “keep the fervour of the spirit” underscores the need for passion and zeal in our spiritual lives. We approach God with enthusiasm, allowing His Spirit to ignite a fervent passion for His kingdom within us (Rom 12:11).
In conclusion, our involvement in keeping the fire burning involves both personal devotion to God and active engagement in the life of the Church. By tending to the flame of our faith and encouraging one another in our spiritual walk, we contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of God’s Kingdom here on earth.
As we embrace the refining fire of the Spirit, may we be purified, empowered, and filled with fervent zeal to serve God wholeheartedly.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk