Fire and the Spirit

Hebrews 12:29

“for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”

Acts 2:3

“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.”

Luke 3:16

“…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

The Bible has many other references tying together fire with the Spirit of God, or the Angel of the Lord. For example, you could also check out: Exodus 3:2; 24:17, 40:38; Leviticus 9:24. See also what Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 where it implies, in verse 19, that we can diminish the fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives by failing in Christian actions and speech.

The word “Fire” brings to mind many different things including power, purity, holiness, destruction, warmth, security, heat, illumination, flame, protection, renewal, enthusiasm, and zeal. Certainly the Holy Spirit of God can be related to many of these same words, and can personalize several of them for us in our Christian lives.

Have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s purity, power, security, illumination, protection, renewal, enthusiasm and zeal? Has He refined your life by burning away some of your old trash in His ongoing work of sanctification in you? Have you personally felt the fire of the Holy Ghost Baptism?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell your Father you want to understand the symbols of fire associated with His Glory and His Holy Spirit.

Dive Deeper: Study Exodus 3:1-6, 24:17, 40:38; Leviticus 9:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22.