(Matt 3:11) Is the “baptism of fire” something we should seek?

1. Notice the context. John is not speaking to Christians. He is reproving the Pharisees and Sadducees for their self-righteous attitudes (verses 7-9), and he is telling them to bring forth fruits meet for repentance (verse 8).
    
2. John explained that he was baptizing with water unto repentance (verse 11) but Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
    
3. Notice verse 12. This fire is described as an unquenchable fire that would burn up the chaff.
    
4. Malachi 4:3 describes this also. The wicked are to be ashes - completely burned up - under the feet of the righteous.
    
5. This is speaking of the second death, as described in Revelation 20:6, 14-15.