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 ____________! It must be ___________ & ___________!

II. We stoke the fire by moving with _____________ and _____ upon what we_______.

A. Motivating confidence. Acts 4:18-20 – Their ______________ was forcing them! The entire church prayed for _______________. Acts 4:23-31.

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

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

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

1. We constantly battle ________________.

2. Consider a theme that runs through Philippians.

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

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 _____________________.

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

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

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

2. We cannot be complacent about our ____________.

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

IV. We must not become _________________ to the Lord!

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

B. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent with ______________ 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 ______________________!

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 ________; prayer; ________!

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 ____________! It must be ___________ & ___________! II. We stoke the fire by moving with _____________ and _____ upon what we_______. A. Motivating confidence. Acts 4:18-20 – *Their ______________ was forcing them!* The entire church prayed for _______________. Acts 4:23-31. B. Successful congregations have no _________ that God will grant them success! 1. Mt. 21:21-22 - Is this our conviction as a congregation? C. *Conviction is the ______________ that we as a congregation WILL grow and thrive as long as we follow God’s plan for us!* 1. We constantly battle ________________. 2. Consider a theme that runs through Philippians. a) 1:6, 1:25; Admonished to ___________; dwell on good things; to avoid ______________. 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 _____________________. A. Rev. 3:1-6 – church at Sardis. “The Dead Church.” Told to _________ _______! B. This is a congregation where _______________ was non-existent. 1. ____________________ is one of the greatest dangers a Christian faces! 2. We cannot be complacent about our ____________. a) Do you have a willingness to live & die for Him! Mt. 10:37-39 IV. We must not become _________________ to the Lord! A. Rev. 3:2 – their deeds were not ___________________. B. Don’t let the fire go out by being complacent with ______________ 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 ______________________! 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 ________; prayer; ________! 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.