Set on Fire
Ignited for God’s Glory
SCRIPTURE:
Luke 12:49 NLT - "I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!
OBSERVATION:
In Luke chapter 12, Jesus makes a statement that initially may seem troubling. However, in context, He is saying, “I have come to start a work”—a work that resembles fire. Revival is often called the “fire of God,” and people passionate about their relationship with Jesus are often described as being “on fire” for Him.
We observe this fire in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit filled the disciples:
Acts 2:1-4 NLT - On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
What kind of fire was Jesus talking about? In the very next verse, He explains:
Luke 12:50 NLT - I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished.
Jesus was talking about His crucifixion—a burden He bore willingly.
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV - Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus was not looking to go scorched earth – though He had every right. He endured the pain so He could set the world on fire!
Fire is often depicted in the Bible as a purifying force. It cleanses while eliminating everything it touches.
The fire Jesus references is purifying and renewing, not destructive. It cleanses, restores, and ignites life. Through Him, we can have a fresh start—a life on fire for God.
APPLICATION:
Jesus also warned that this fire would cause division:
Luke 12:51-52 NLT - Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against--or two in favor and three against.
Division often happens when some accept the Gospel while others reject it. It's not about creating separation; the Gospel naturally divides light from darkness. When a family member comes to Christ, it might feel chaotic, but the ultimate goal is reconciliation and restoration.
If we are truly “set on fire,” we will love as Jesus loves—without conditions. We must guard against an “us versus them” mentality. Our purpose is to point others to Christ, who alone redeems.
Take courage! If God can save you, He can save your family. Keep loving, praying, serving, and burning. The world is dark, but the fire of Christ is brighter. Though the battle, struggle, and even heartache may be real, remember the cross.
Romans 5:8 NLT - But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Let your passion burn for God and inspire those around you. Jesus lovers are contagious—spreading revival, one heart at a time.
PRAYER:
Luke 12:49 NLT - "I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!
OBSERVATION:
In Luke chapter 12, Jesus makes a statement that initially may seem troubling. However, in context, He is saying, “I have come to start a work”—a work that resembles fire. Revival is often called the “fire of God,” and people passionate about their relationship with Jesus are often described as being “on fire” for Him.
We observe this fire in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit filled the disciples:
Acts 2:1-4 NLT - On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
What kind of fire was Jesus talking about? In the very next verse, He explains:
Luke 12:50 NLT - I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished.
Jesus was talking about His crucifixion—a burden He bore willingly.
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV - Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus was not looking to go scorched earth – though He had every right. He endured the pain so He could set the world on fire!
Fire is often depicted in the Bible as a purifying force. It cleanses while eliminating everything it touches.
The fire Jesus references is purifying and renewing, not destructive. It cleanses, restores, and ignites life. Through Him, we can have a fresh start—a life on fire for God.
APPLICATION:
Jesus also warned that this fire would cause division:
Luke 12:51-52 NLT - Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against--or two in favor and three against.
Division often happens when some accept the Gospel while others reject it. It's not about creating separation; the Gospel naturally divides light from darkness. When a family member comes to Christ, it might feel chaotic, but the ultimate goal is reconciliation and restoration.
If we are truly “set on fire,” we will love as Jesus loves—without conditions. We must guard against an “us versus them” mentality. Our purpose is to point others to Christ, who alone redeems.
Take courage! If God can save you, He can save your family. Keep loving, praying, serving, and burning. The world is dark, but the fire of Christ is brighter. Though the battle, struggle, and even heartache may be real, remember the cross.
Romans 5:8 NLT - But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Let your passion burn for God and inspire those around you. Jesus lovers are contagious—spreading revival, one heart at a time.
PRAYER:
Holy Fire, burn away
My desire for anything
That is not of You
And is of me
I want more of You
And less of me
Empty me, empty me
Fill, won't you fill me
With You, with You
My desire for anything
That is not of You
And is of me
I want more of You
And less of me
Empty me, empty me
Fill, won't you fill me
With You, with You
Jesus, be the center of my life, my all, my everything. Fan the flames of “revival” in me. May we see the world “set on fire” in the right way.
Let Christ’s fire ignite your heart - empowering you to love and serve others passionately.
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