Text: Jeremiah 20:9 – “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.”
Introduction
Fire in Scripture often symbolizes passion, zeal, and the active presence of God (Hebrews 12:29). Being “fired up” means having an inner spiritual flame that drives you toward God’s assignment for your life. It’s not just excitement—it’s holy passion connected to a divine purpose.
However, many have passion without direction, and others have purpose without passion. For a believer to make lasting impact, passion must meet purpose under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Source of the Fire: God Himself
Exodus 3:2-4 – God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, igniting a divine assignment.
Acts 2:3-4 – The Holy Spirit came as tongues of fire, empowering the disciples for global mission.
Isaiah 6:6-8 – The coal of fire from the altar touched Isaiah’s lips before his commission.
Key point: The fire comes from God, not from self-motivation or human zeal (Zechariah 4:6).
The Purpose of the Fire: Empowering for Mission
Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me…” – the anointing is for a task.
Acts 1:8 – The fire of the Spirit gives power for witness, not just personal excitement.
Jeremiah 1:5 – God’s calling predates our birth; the fire simply activates it.
Illustration: Passion without purpose is like a car revving in neutral, it makes noise but goes nowhere.
Obstacles to Staying Fired Up
Spiritual discouragement: Elijah lost his fire after Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19:4).
Distraction and comfort: Samson lost focus when he played with Delilah (Judges 16:18-21).
Sin and compromise: Quenches the Spirit’s flame (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
How to Stay Fired Up for Your Purpose
Stay in the Word: It keeps the fire burning (Psalm 119:105; Luke 24:32).
Consistent prayer: Fan into flame the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
Fellowship with other “burning” believers, that is, Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24-25).
Obedience to divine instructions – Fire grows when we act on God’s word (John 2:5).
Conclusion:
When God sets you on fire, it is not for entertainment but for impact. Your fire is tied to your assignment, and your assignment is tied to God’s kingdom agenda. Like Jeremiah, you may try to hold it back, but a genuine God-given fire will not let you be silent.
The Rev. Muyiwa Ogunkoya is the Minister-in-Charge Trinity Methodist Ikota, Diocese of Ereko, Lagos State. He can reached on +234 815 201 3583
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