Sermon Recap
In this opening message of the Holy Fire series, we are challenged to understand that Holy Fire is not simply something we talk about, it is something we step into. Over the next 26 weeks, the series will move through four movements: Returning, Aligning, Dwelling, and Burning. Each movement requires intentional surrender, and a willingness to respond to what the Holy Spirit is saying. The goal is not simply to learn more about God, but to become more like Jesus, go deeper in our relationship with Him, and allow His presence to transform every part of our lives. Holy Fire is ultimately about the presence of God dwelling within us and setting our hearts ablaze for Him.
Isaiah 6 gives us a picture of the seraphim, whose name literally means “burning ones.” They lived in the presence of God, worshiping Him continually, and because they remained in close proximity to the Holy One, they burned with Holy Fire. Through the sacrifice of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we have been given the incredible privilege of living in God's presence as well. Yet even though His presence is available to us, we can still drift. Drift is subtle and unintentional, and we never drift toward God; we always drift away from Him. When we stop living intentionally in His presence, what was once sacred can slowly become routine.
That is exactly what Jesus confronted in the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2. They were hardworking, persevering, doctrinally sound, and able to identify false teaching, yet Jesus said, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.” They were doing church right, but they had lost their affection for Jesus. Their ministry remained, their truth remained, and their activity remained, but the fire was gone. This reminds us that it is possible to be faithful in our activity while becoming distant in our affection. We can work for Jesus while slowly losing our wonder of Jesus. First love is not necessarily first in activity; it is first in affection. Returning to our first love means returning to our hunger for His Word, our desire for His presence, our gratitude for His grace, our sensitivity to His voice, and our willingness to pursue Him and rearrange our lives around Him.
Jesus gives the remedy for spiritual drift in three simple words: Remember, Repent, and Return. Repentance is not merely an emotional moment; it is a directional decision to turn our hearts back toward Jesus. God exposes our drift not to shame us but to restore us. Biblical holiness is not simply separation from sin but separation unto Someone. It is being set apart for relationship, intimacy, and life with God. We don't pursue holiness merely because we fear sin; we pursue holiness because we love Jesus. Holy Fire is more than power or the burning away of sin, it is the passionate affection that burns within us for Jesus. The challenge is simple but deeply personal: Where is your affection meter? If you were completely honest, is Jesus still your first love?
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Isaiah 6:1–7 (NLT) — Isaiah’s encounter with the holiness and presence of God; the seraphim (“burning ones”).
Revelation 2:1–7 (NIV) — Jesus’ message to the church at Ephesus and His warning that they had forsaken their first love.
Revelation 2:4–5 (NIV) — The key passage: “You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Jesus’ command to remember, repent, and return.
1 Peter 1:13–16 (NIV) — The call to holiness: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
“You can be faithful in your activity and distant in your affection.” What are some signs that someone can still be doing the right Christian things while their affection for Jesus is beginning to fade?
Jesus told the church at Ephesus to remember, repent, and return. Which of these three do you think is most important for you personally right now, and what would it look like to put it into practice?
Think about the question, “Where is your affection meter from 1–10?” What causes our affection for Jesus to grow, and what are some things that can cause us to drift away from our first love?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to recognize where we have drifted and turn our hearts back toward You, remembering the love, hunger, wonder, and affection we once had for You. Holy Spirit, reignite the fire within us and teach us to pursue Your presence, not simply to work for You, but to truly love and enjoy You. Lord, make us holy people who are set apart for You, and let our lives burn with a passionate affection for Jesus that puts You first in everything. Amen.
Life Application
1. Intentionally return to your first love.
Take some time this week to remember what it was like when your relationship with Jesus was fresh—your hunger for His Word, your desire for His presence, your gratitude for His grace, and your excitement to know Him. Identify one spiritual rhythm or practice you need to return to and intentionally make room for Jesus again.2. Identify where you have drifted and change direction.
Ask the Holy Spirit, “Where has activity replaced affection in my life?” Don't simply recognize the drift; respond to it. Repent, make a directional decision, and take one specific step back toward Jesus. Remember: we don't fix drift by simply trying harder; we fix drift by turning our affection back toward Him.
Don’t Forget!
Additional Resources
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