How can believers prepare for the "fire" mentioned in Luke 12:49? Seeing the Fire Jesus Promised “ I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49) Understanding the Nature of the Fire • Purifying fire that refines the faithful (Malachi 3:2-3) • Consuming fire that judges rebellion (Hebrews 12:29) • Empowering fire of the Holy Spirit that fuels witness (Acts 2:3-4) Heart Preparation – Repent and Yield • Invite the Spirit to expose hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24) • Confess quickly and thoroughly (1 John 1:9) • Embrace godly sorrow that produces lasting change (2 Corinthians 7:10) Mind Preparation – Renew Your Thinking • Saturate the mind with Scripture (Psalm 1:2; Colossians 3:16) • Replace worldly patterns with truth (Romans 12:2) • Hold every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) Lifestyle Preparation – Pursue Holiness • Walk by the Spirit and deny the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25) • Practice obedience in small matters (Luke 16:10) • Keep short accounts with God and people (Ephesians 4:26-27) Community Preparation – Strengthen One Another • Gather faithfully with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Speak the truth in love for mutual growth (Ephesians 4:15) • Carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) Mission Preparation – Live Boldly for the Gospel • Stay alert for open doors to share Christ (Colossians 4:3-6) • Be ready to give a reason for the hope within (1 Peter 3:15) • Accept suffering as refinement and testimony (1 Peter 4:12-13) Spiritual Preparation – Stoke the Holy Spirit’s Flame • Fan into flame the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6-7) • Pray without ceasing, staying tuned to His leading (1 Thessalonians 5:17-19) • Worship with undivided devotion (John 4:23-24) Eternal Preparation – Live in Light of the Day • Remember that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10) • “Make every effort to be found at peace, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14) • Store treasures in heaven where fire cannot destroy (Matthew 6:19-21) Applying these steps positions believers to welcome, not fear, the purifying, empowering fire Jesus declared He came to kindle. |
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