Chasing the Fire but Neglecting the Oil

Introduction

We live in a time where many people are chasing spiritual fire.

People chase the next powerful sermon. The next worship experience. The next emotional moment. The next conference. The next encounter that makes them feel close to God.

And while there is nothing wrong with passionate worship or powerful moments in God’s presence, there is a danger we must be careful of:

We can become so focused on chasing the fire that we neglect the oil.

The truth is, fire without oil does not last.

Spiritually speaking, the oil is built in the hidden places: Prayer. Obedience. Time in God’s Word. Seeking Him when nobody sees. Seeking Him when we do not feel Him. Remaining faithful when emotions are quiet.

The fire may inspire us…but the oil sustains us.

The Hidden Place Matters

Jesus made it clear that our private relationship with God matters deeply.

Matthew 6:6 (NKJV)

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Notice that Jesus emphasized the secret place.

Not public appearances.Not outward performances.Not emotional displays.

The hidden place.

The moments where nobody else sees your pursuit of God are often the moments where the deepest transformation happens.

Many believers want public fire while neglecting private oil.

But it is the oil formed in secret that sustains the fire when difficult seasons come.

Emotional Experiences Cannot Replace Intimacy

God created emotions, and there are moments where His presence moves us deeply. Worship, sermons, and encounters with God can absolutely strengthen our faith.

But emotional experiences were never meant to replace daily intimacy with Him.

Too often believers begin relying on:

• Worship highs

• Conferences

• Motivational messages

• Emotional moments

• Spiritual excitement

Instead of building a consistent relationship with God through daily pursuit.

What happens when emotions fade?

What happens when worship does not “feel” the same? What happens when life becomes difficult?

What happens when God feels silent?

Do we still seek Him?

True spiritual maturity seeks God whether emotions are strong or not.

James 4:8 (NKJV)

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Notice the verse does not say:“Draw near only when you feel something.”

Faithfulness continues even in dry seasons.

Oil Is Built Through Daily Obedience

Oil is not built only during emotional moments.

It is built through consistent surrender.

It is built when:

• You pray when you are tired

• You read Scripture when distracted

• You choose holiness when temptation comes

• You forgive when it hurts

• You worship during hardship

• You practice self-control when nobody sees

These hidden decisions shape us spiritually.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

Self-control is part of spiritual maturity.

Anyone can respond emotionally in a moment.

But daily obedience is what builds endurance and spiritual depth.

The Wise and Foolish Virgins

Jesus gave a powerful warning about spiritual preparedness in the parable of the ten virgins.

Matthew 25:1–4 (NKJV)

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

The difference between the wise and foolish virgins was not the lamp.

It was the oil.

The wise prepared for the waiting season.

Many believers know how to respond during moments of excitement. Fewer know how to remain faithful in seasons of silence, waiting, hardship, or spiritual dryness.

But those seasons reveal what is truly sustaining us.

God Wants Relationship, Not Just Moments

God does not simply want occasional emotional experiences with us.

He wants relationship.

Relationships are built through time, consistency, trust, and daily connection.

The same is true with God.

There will be moments of powerful fire. Moments where His presence overwhelms us. Moments where worship moves us deeply.

But those moments should push us deeper into relationship—not become substitutes for it.

John 15:4–5 (NKJV)

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Fruit comes from abiding.

Strength comes from abiding.

Endurance comes from abiding.

The oil is filled through abiding daily with Christ.

Final Encouragement

There is nothing wrong with chasing the fire.

Be passionate for God. Worship deeply. Seek His presence wholeheartedly.

But never neglect the oil.

Because eventually emotions fade. Hard seasons come. Life becomes difficult.

And what remains is the depth of your relationship with Him.

The believers who endure are not simply the ones who experienced fire once.

They are the ones who continually filled their oil in the secret place.

Additional Scriptures for Study

• Matthew 6:6

• Matthew 25:1–13

• James 4:8

• John 15:4–5

• Galatians 5:22–23

• Psalm 119:105

• Romans 12:2

• Luke 5:16

• Colossians 3:16

May we not become people who only chase moments with God…

May we become people who walk with Him daily.

Pastor Scott