Stoking the Fire

Stoking the Fire

Introduction

Christians have an opponent. An enemy. An adversary – 1 Pet. 5:8-9. The devil is persistent in his efforts. Among the Arabs Satan is called El-hharrith which means “the active, busy one.” He’s constantly up to no good. Sometimes, the relentless attacks take their toll: individually and as a congregation. Individuals are frustrated by temptation, trial, and discouragement. Congregations get beat down by problems. Cope w/change. Full of members with very busy lives. As a result, congregations can become lethargic. Zeal seems to evaporate. What was once a roaring fire of enthusiasm for God, begins to wane and flicker into a low light. How can we stoke the fire? We’ll talk about that today.

I. A look at 2 generations of Ephesians.

A. A look at the church at Ephesus in the beginning: Acts 19:9-20

B. The Middle Period: a picture of a mature congregation.

C. Rev. 2:3-7 - the 2^nd generation – still active – but lost their first love.

1. their heart wasn’t in it!

2. Zeal is not genetic! It must be taught & grown!

II. We stoke the fire by moving with conviction and acting upon what we believe.

A. Conviction is what we do about what we believe!

1. Motivating confidence. Acts 4:18-20 – Their conviction was forcing them! The entire church prayed for boldness. Acts 4:23-31.

B. Successful congregations have no doubt that God will grant them success!

1. Mt. 21:21-22 - Is this our conviction as a congregation?

C. Conviction is the confidence that we as a congregation WILL grow and thrive as long as we follow God’s plan for us!

1. We constantly battle pessimism.

2. Consider a theme that runs through Philippians.

a) 1:6, 1:25; Admonished to rejoice; dwell on good things; to avoid anxiety.

2. The fire of enthusiasm will burn brightly once we begin to move with conviction in our efforts.

III. We Stoke the fire by overcoming complacency.

A. Rev. 3:1-6 – church at Sardis. “The Dead Church.” Told to wake up!

B. This is a congregation where sacrifice was non-existent.

1. Complacency is one of the greatest dangers a Christian faces!

2. We cannot be complacent about our mission – or that of the church!

a) Do you have a willingness to live & die for Him! Mt. 10:37-39

IV. We must not become useless to the Lord!

A. Rev. 3:2 – their deeds were not complete.

B. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent w/knowledge of His word!

1. our attitude should parallel 2 Tim. 2:15; Psalm 1

C. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent about evangelism!

1. Paul’s attitude – Rom. 10:11, 14-15. Are we getting the message out?

D. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent about worship; prayer; praise!

1. Heb. 13:15; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 5:17 – pray w/o ceasing.

Conclusion:

A. May we never lack the motivation that comes from confidence in God’s words & promises!

1. Do we have confidence in God’s plan? Are we optimistic w/the future?

B. Let’s stoke the fire. Let’s get excited about our work.



Stoking the Fire Introduction Christians have an opponent. An enemy. An adversary – 1 Pet. 5:8-9. The devil is persistent in his efforts. Among the Arabs Satan is called El-hharrith which means “the active, busy one.” He’s constantly up to no good. Sometimes, the relentless attacks take their toll: individually and as a congregation. Individuals are frustrated by temptation, trial, and discouragement. Congregations get beat down by problems. Cope w/change. Full of members with very busy lives. As a result, congregations can become lethargic. Zeal seems to evaporate. What was once a roaring fire of enthusiasm for God, begins to wane and flicker into a low light. How can we stoke the fire? We’ll talk about that today. I. A look at 2 generations of Ephesians. A. A look at the church at Ephesus in the beginning: Acts 19:9-20 B. The Middle Period: a picture of a mature congregation. C. Rev. 2:3-7 - the 2^nd generation – still active – but lost their first love. 1. their heart wasn’t in it! 2. Zeal is not genetic! It must be taught & grown! II. We stoke the fire by moving with conviction and acting upon what we believe. A. Conviction is what we do about what we believe! 1. Motivating confidence. Acts 4:18-20 – *Their conviction was forcing them!* The entire church prayed for boldness. Acts 4:23-31. B. Successful congregations have no doubt that God will grant them success! 1. Mt. 21:21-22 - Is this our conviction as a congregation? C. *Conviction is the confidence that we as a congregation WILL grow and thrive as long as we follow God’s plan for us!* 1. We constantly battle pessimism. 2. Consider a theme that runs through Philippians. a) 1:6, 1:25; Admonished to rejoice; dwell on good things; to avoid anxiety. 2. The fire of enthusiasm will burn brightly once we begin to move with conviction in our efforts. III. We Stoke the fire by overcoming complacency. A. Rev. 3:1-6 – church at Sardis. “The Dead Church.” Told to wake up! B. This is a congregation where sacrifice was non-existent. 1. Complacency is one of the greatest dangers a Christian faces! 2. We cannot be complacent about our mission – or that of the church! a) Do you have a willingness to live & die for Him! Mt. 10:37-39 IV. We must not become useless to the Lord! A. Rev. 3:2 – their deeds were not complete. B. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent w/knowledge of His word! 1. our attitude should parallel 2 Tim. 2:15; Psalm 1 C. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent about evangelism! 1. Paul’s attitude – Rom. 10:11, 14-15. Are we getting the message out? D. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent about worship; prayer; praise! 1. Heb. 13:15; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 5:17 – pray w/o ceasing. Conclusion: A. May we never lack the motivation that comes from confidence in God’s words & promises! 1. Do we have confidence in God’s plan? Are we optimistic w/the future? B. Let’s stoke the fire. Let’s get excited about our work.