Fan the Flame (Ps Mukumba)

Introduction🔥 

In the spiritual journey of a Christian, the Holy Spirit serves as an unwavering presence, a source of both comfort and challenge. As promised in John 14:16, the Holy Spirit remains with us eternally, but its filling and empowerment are contingent upon our spiritual commitment. Neglect and carnality dim its influence, as seen in the warnings of 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 and 6:19. Reflecting on the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus 6:9,12, we see God's command to Aaron through Moses about the perpetual fire on the altar, symbolizing continual devotion and the enduring presence of God. This fire was not just a ritualistic element but a profound representation of our need to maintain our spiritual commitment and the Holy Spirit and his influence in our lives.

The Necessity of Spiritual Vigor🔥 

The challenges of keeping the altar's fire burning, especially in the adverse conditions of the desert, where resources like firewood were scarce, illustrate the effort required in our spiritual lives. This physical challenge mirrors our spiritual task: to actively nurture and fuel our faith under sometimes difficult circumstances. Unity, commitment, and coordination are essential in both contexts, emphasizing that spiritual growth, like maintaining fire, demands continual effort and cooperation.

Living Sacrifices🔥 

Romans 12:1-2 calls Christians to be living sacrifices, dedicating our bodies and lives to God in holy service. This dedication is a dynamic process, not a one-time event. It involves daily choices to serve, rejoice, endure, and remain steadfast in prayer (Romans 12:11-13). Fanning the spiritual flame, therefore, is about continually blowing into the embers of our faith to ignite a greater fire; this means not just maintaining but growing our spiritual zeal. Our Spiritual zeal should grow.

Barriers to Spiritual Growth🔥 

However, there are barriers to this spiritual growth. Fear, disappointment, and temptation can significantly dampen our spiritual growth. These challenges can snuff out the flame that fuels our connection with God and our effectiveness in His service. Recognizing and overcoming these barriers is crucial for maintaining spiritual health and vitality.

The Divine Attributes of the Holy Spirit🔥 

The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force; He possesses all the attributes of personhood, including emotions, intellect, and will. He can be vexed, grieved, or pleased (Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30, Acts 15:28). Understanding the personhood of the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the depth of our relationship with Him—it’s a relationship that requires respect, responsiveness, and reverence.

Practical Steps to Fan the Flame🔥 

To actively fan our spiritual flame, we must engage in several practical steps. Prayer is foundational; it refreshes and stirs up our spirit. Trusting in God, as Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, requires us not to lean on our understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways. We must also maintain a posture of gratitude, repentance, obedience and immerse ourselves in the Word of God. These actions are not just religious duties but are vital practices that keep our spiritual fire alive.

Conclusion🔥 

In conclusion, Christian life demands active engagement and perseverance. As 2 Timothy 2:6 and 4:17 remind us, it involves hard work and fighting a good fight, just like a farmer who works and waits for the harvest. Let us then be vigilant in keeping the flame of the Holy Spirit and our faith burning brightly. By engaging our hearts, renewing our minds, and humbling ourselves before God, we can ensure that the fire of His Spirit continues to burn strongly within us, guiding us to ultimate victory and fulfillment in our journey of faith.

May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.

Senior Pastor

Leo T Mukumba