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 2nd 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.