Strange Fire
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What happens when men offer unauthorized or strange fire to God?
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What happens when men walk in their own fire that they have lit?
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire,
that compass yourselves about with sparks:
walk in the light of your fire,
and in the sparks that ye have kindled.
This shall ye have of mine hand;
ye shall lie down in sorrow.
Isaiah 50:11 (KJV)
Have you met Nadab and Abihu? (Leviticus 10:1-11)
These two were the sons of Aaron, the high priest of Israel, with Moses in the desert after fleeing from Egypt. They decided to walk in the light of their own fire. It is likely that they may have been drunk on wine, before they entered into the tabernacle of God. Whatever the case, they just decided randomly, on their own authority, to offer fire strange before God, that was unauthorized by God. As a result, fire came out from the Lord and consumed them. Burnt them to a crisp.
In other words, they lacked the fear of the Lord. And this became their undoing.
From that point on Aaron and his sons (the family of priests of Israel) walked in the fear of the Lord more carefully. They listened to the instructions of Moses more carefully, and obeyed the word of God more carefully. Wouldn’t you?
The concept of “strange fire” or “unauthorized fire” is often associated with the idea of worshiping God in a way that is not prescribed or approved by God. This can include offering sacrifices or worship in a manner that is not in line with God’s commands or guidelines.
In the context of the Bible, the story of Nadab and Abihu is a stark reminder of the importance of following God’s instructions carefully. The two priests offered “strange fire” to God, which resulted in their death. This story is often seen as a warning against taking a casual or flippant approach to worship.
Regarding “walking in their own fire,” this phrase is often used to describe individuals who are following their own desires, passions, or interests without regard for God’s guidance or direction. This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including:
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Separation from God’s will and guidance
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Harm to oneself or others
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Spiritual darkness or confusion
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Missing out on God’s blessings and protection
It is emphasized that following God’s guidance and direction is crucial for living a fulfilling and purposeful life. By walking in obedience to God’s will, individuals can experience spiritual growth, joy, and peace.
Here are some additional scriptures related to the concept of “strange fire” and “walking in one’s own fire”:
Strange Fire
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Leviticus 10:1-3 (Nadab and Abihu’s story)
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Numbers 26:61 (Reference to Nadab and Abihu’s incident)
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1 Kings 13:1-5 (Man of God killed by lion for disobeying God’s command)
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2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (King Uzziah’s pride and offering of incense)
Walking in One’s Own Fire
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Isaiah 50:11 (Walking in the light of one’s own fire)
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Isaiah 58:11 (Following one’s own way, rather than God’s)
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Proverbs 16:25 (There is a way that seems right to a man, but leads to destruction)
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Proverbs 14:12 (There is a way that seems right to a man, but ends in death)
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Romans 1:24-25 (Exchanging God’s truth for a lie and worshipping created things)
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2 Peter 2:1-3 (Following corrupt desires and denying God)
Consequences of Walking in One’s Own Fire
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Psalm 119:105 (Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path)
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Proverbs 4:19 (The way of the wicked is darkness)
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Isaiah 9:2 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)
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John 8:12 (Following Jesus is the way to avoid walking in darkness)
Benefits of Following God’s Guidance
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Psalm 23:4 (Even though I walk through the valley, I will fear no evil)
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Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He will direct your paths)
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Isaiah 30:21 (Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”) -
John 10:10 (Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly)
I hope these scriptures provide further insight and guidance on this topic!
Source of the outline above: Meta.AI
The whole story laid out: Nadab and Abihu
Here are some scriptures that contrast “strange fire” with “Holy Ghost fire”:
Strange Fire
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Leviticus 10:1-3 (Nadab and Abihu’s story) – “Strange fire” offered to God, resulting in death
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Numbers 26:61 (Reference to Nadab and Abihu’s incident)
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1 Kings 13:1-5 (Man of God killed by lion for disobeying God’s command)
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2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (King Uzziah’s pride and offering of incense)
Holy Ghost Fire
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Matthew 3:11 (John the Baptist’s words) – “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”
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Luke 3:16 (John the Baptist’s words) – “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”
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Acts 2:3-4 (Pentecost) – “Tongues of fire” on the disciples, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s presence
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Hebrews 12:29 (God is a consuming fire)
Contrasting Strange Fire and Holy Ghost Fire
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Leviticus 9:24 (Moses and Aaron’s offering accepted, with fire from God) vs. Leviticus 10:1-3 (Nadab and Abihu’s strange fire)
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2 Timothy 1:6-7 (Fan into flame the gift of God, which is the Holy Spirit) vs. Isaiah 50:11 (Walking in the light of one’s own fire)
Holy Ghost Fire’s Characteristics
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Purifies and refines (Malachi 3:2-3)
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Brings conviction and conversion (Acts 2:37-41)
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Empowers witness and testimony (Acts 1:8, 2:4)
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Brings spiritual growth and fruitfulness (Galatians 5:22-23)
Strange Fire’s Characteristics
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Self-initiated and self-centered (Leviticus 10:1-3)
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Disregards God’s commands and guidelines (Numbers 26:61)
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Leads to destruction and death (1 Kings 13:1-5, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21)
Remember, these scriptures highlight the importance of seeking God’s guidance and following His commands, rather than relying on our own strength or initiatives.