Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Discuss the “firefly” analogy: oxygen (Holy Spirit’s power always available) and nitric oxide (our “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”); what practices or choices might count as “producing nitric oxide,” and how might a church unintentionally lower it while still doing lots of religious activity?
Another way to ask: In the firefly picture, what everyday choices or habits would count as “doing your part” (like making nitric oxide)? How might a church reduce that—without noticing—even while staying busy with religious stuff?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
In the transcript, “producing nitric oxide” means intentional obedience and spiritual seriousness—working out salvation, repentance, and concentrating on God’s glory so the Spirit’s power can shine. A church can lower it by substituting noise, programs, politics, and comfort-driven living for repentance, truth, prayer, and sacrificial love.
- Firefly details: oxygen “comes from outside,” nitric oxide is “produced themselves,” and light turns on/off depending on nitric oxide levels.
- He applies it: the Holy Spirit is “always ready” (oxygen), but “we need to release the nitric oxide,” meaning “work out our salvation with fear and trembling.”
- He urges focus: “concentrate our hearts and minds on the display of God’s glory,” “be cautious not to run out of oil for our lamps.”
- He connects repentance and prayer: E.M. Bounds—“talking to God for men is greater,” and repentance is “the next important step.”
- He lists ways churches dim light while active: consumer lifestyle, wealth/loans, reliance on politics, chasing converts with “stadium lights,” worship like sports fandom.