KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

DESTINY CITY CHURCH

SMALL GROUP DEVOTIONAL & DISCUSSION GUIDE

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Message Title: When the Fire Goes Out

Key Scripture: Leviticus 6:13

Theme: Keeping the fire of God’s presence, passion, and power alive in our lives.

OPENING DEVOTIONAL: WHEN THE FIRE GOES OUT (KEEP THE FIRE BURNING)

Leviticus 6:13 (KJV)

“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.”

A wood-burning stove provides warmth and draws people together, but when the fire goes out, the warmth disappears. What was once a place of comfort becomes cold and lifeless.

Our spiritual lives can experience something similar. There are seasons when we are passionate about God, hungry for His Word, and eager to experience His presence. But without intentional attention, that spiritual fire can begin to fade.

Throughout Scripture, fire represents God’s presence, holiness, judgment, purification, guidance, and power. God revealed Himself to Moses through a burning bush, descended upon Mount Sinai in fire, and filled believers with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

The same God who revealed His presence through fire desires an ongoing relationship with His people today.

The question is not whether we have experienced God’s fire in the past, but whether we are actively pursuing His presence today.

DISCUSSION 1: RECOGNIZING GOD’S PRESENCE

Read: Exodus 3:1–6 and Galatians 5:25

When Moses encountered God in the burning bush, he recognized that he was standing on holy ground. His response was reverence, humility, and obedience.

God’s presence should never become something we take for granted. Genuine encounters with Him change how we think, live, and respond to His direction.

Discussion Questions:

* What stands out to you about Moses’ response to God’s presence at the burning bush?
* What does it mean to have a healthy reverence or fear of the Lord?
* How can we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our daily decisions?

Key Takeaway: God’s presence should lead us into greater reverence, obedience, and spiritual sensitivity.

DISCUSSION 2: ALLOWING GOD’S FIRE TO PURIFY US

Read: Isaiah 6:1–8 and 1 Peter 1:6–7

When Isaiah encountered God’s holiness, he immediately became aware of his own sinful condition. But God did not leave him in that condition. A burning coal from the altar touched his lips, symbolizing cleansing and preparation for service.

Sometimes God allows circumstances and trials to reveal areas of our lives that need attention. Rather than resisting His work, we should allow Him to refine our hearts and strengthen our faith.

Discussion Questions:

* Why do you think Isaiah became so aware of his own sinfulness when he encountered God’s holiness?
* How can difficult seasons become opportunities for spiritual growth and purification?
* Is there an area of your life where God may be calling you to greater surrender or obedience?

Key Takeaway: God’s refining fire is meant to purify our hearts and prepare us for His purposes.

DISCUSSION 3: WHEN SPIRITUAL PASSION BEGINS TO FADE

Read: Romans 12:11 and Revelation 3:15–16

Spiritual passion rarely disappears overnight. It often fades gradually through distraction, complacency, unconfessed sin, neglect of prayer, or misplaced priorities.

Jesus warned the church in Laodicea about becoming spiritually lukewarm. They had become comfortable and self-sufficient, failing to recognize their need for Him.

God desires more than religious activity. He desires hearts that genuinely love Him and seek His presence.

Discussion Questions:

* What are some warning signs that our spiritual passion may be growing cold?
* What are some common distractions that compete for our devotion to God?
* How can we distinguish between going through a spiritually dry season and becoming spiritually complacent?
* What helps you stay spiritually encouraged when you don’t feel particularly passionate?

Key Takeaway: Spiritual maturity involves remaining faithful to God even when our emotions and circumstances change.

DISCUSSION 4: STIRRING UP THE FIRE

Read: 2 Timothy 1:6 and Acts 2:1–4

Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him. This reminds us that we have a responsibility to cultivate what God has placed in our lives.

We cannot manufacture the presence or power of the Holy Spirit, but we can position ourselves to respond to Him through prayer, worship, Scripture, repentance, fellowship, and obedience.

A fire that is neglected will eventually lose its intensity. Likewise, our relationship with God requires ongoing attention and devotion.

Discussion Questions:

* What do you think Paul meant when he told Timothy to “stir up” the gift of God?
* What spiritual habits have helped keep your relationship with God strong?
* How can we encourage one another when someone in our church family is struggling spiritually?
* What is one practical step you can take this week to renew your spiritual passion?

Key Takeaway: Keeping the spiritual fire burning requires intentional devotion and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

PERSONAL APPLICATION: IS YOUR FIRE STILL BURNING?

Take a moment to reflect personally on the condition of your spiritual life.

* Examine: Have I allowed distractions, busyness, or complacency to weaken my relationship with God?
* Surrender: Is there anything God is asking me to release or change?
* Rekindle: What spiritual disciplines do I need to strengthen or restore?
* Respond: How can I demonstrate renewed passion for God through obedience and service?

This Week’s Challenge:

Set aside intentional time each day to seek God’s presence through prayer and Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that may be hindering your relationship with Him, and commit to obeying His direction.

Remember, spiritual fire is not measured merely by emotion or enthusiasm, but by a heart that remains surrendered and faithful to God.

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence and the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we have allowed distractions, complacency, or the demands of life to weaken our devotion to You. Examine our hearts and remove anything that keeps us from walking closely with You.

Lord, rekindle our passion for Your Word, Your presence, and Your purposes. Purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and help us remain sensitive to the leading of Your Spirit. May we never become satisfied with simply remembering what You have done in the past, but continually seek what You desire to do in and through us today.

Let the fire of Your Spirit burn brightly in our lives, our families, and our church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FINAL THOUGHT

“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” — Leviticus 6:13

We cannot live on yesterday’s fire. Every day presents a new opportunity to draw near to God, surrender to His will, and walk in the power of His Spirit.

DON’T LET THE FIRE GO OUT!