Keeping the Fire Going

Luke 12:49

Introduction.

  1. Some of you know we went camping last week.

    1. It was a beautiful campsite.

    2. But it was very difficult for us a start a fire.

    3. This is largely my fault—probably don’t know what I’m doing.

    4. But I wasn’t helped by how wet everything was—difficult to find kindling/tinder.

  2. Jesus came to set the world on fire, and it would have been easier had it been kindled already.

    1. John the Baptist came to do that for Jesus as the forerunner.

    2. But there was something missing—not everyone was ready for Jesus.

  3. I am lucky—with what I saw the weekend before last, I don’t have to wish you were already kindled.

    1. It’s partly why I agreed to come here.

    2. I could tell there was a great desire, a fire for the Lord here that’s lacking in many places.

    3. That was proven at MayFest.

    4. I did not have to get you kindled, you already were.

    5. Part of the job of a preacher is to get the fire going in a congregation (get the lukewarm water hot!).

    6. If that fire is already lit, the job is to carry that torch and keep it going.

  4. So how do we keep that fire going?

Body.

  1. Never stop working (2 Tim. 4:2-5).

    1. Preach the word! Let’s keep pounding that pavement (2).

    2. Let us always be ready to stand up for the truth (3-4).

    3. Let us be ready to suffer for the faith (5).

    4. Many here are retired, but not retired from being a Christian!

    5. We have more in the works for us to work and get involved—but don’t wait for us.

  2. Always keep your eye on the prize (2 Tim. 4:8).

    1. It is always easier to get through something if you see the light at the end of the tunnel (Ill: Walgreens).

    2. It will be easier to get through this life because of the true Light waiting for us.

    3. Paul was about to die, and he knew what awaited him.

    4. We, too, should have the same confidence if we love His appearing.

  3. Never stop growing (2 Tim. 4:13).

    1. He was soon to die, yet he called for the parchments.

    2. He knew that there was still so much for him to learn.

    3. Many here are retired, so it is always good to keep the mind active.

    4. Let us continue to grow “in grace and knowledge” (2 Pet. 3:18).

  4. Never let others drag you down (2 Tim. 4:10, 14-16).

    1. Sometimes apathy and indifference are just as contagious as excitement.

    2. Sometimes more so, because those are easier.

    3. You focus on your prize—help them if you can, but don’t let their bad attitudes dictate your attitude.

  5. Always find encouragement in the right places (2 Tim. 4:11, 17-18).

    1. Paul found his encouragement among his faithful brethren.

    2. But most importantly, he found it with the Lord.

    3. Let us always look to Him for the right encouragement in our godly endeavors.

Conclusion.

  1. Paul gives us the best formula for keeping our excitement and zeal up.

  2. Even though he was facing death—beheading—he was still in good spirits.

  3. Let us all have a faith like that.

  4. The only reason why we might not be is if we’re not right with God—get right today!