Jonesboro First Assembly

“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness…” Malachi 3:3-4

This is a story of a woman who studied this scripture but wanted to know more about the process of a refiner's fire; She contacted a silversmith and asked if she could come watch him and ask some questions. She watched the silversmith as he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. She asked the silver smith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silver smith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that’s easy, when I see my image in it." The silver has no will - no say about being stuck in the fire and purified. But we do. We can hop out of the fire. We can refuse to melt. We can refuse to be purified.

First of all, I would like to remind you that God has a plan for you. He wants you to become just like Jesus.

“And we are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

John 3:16 tells us that God sent His son so that we could receive salvation. Also, the blood of Christ covers all our sin (cleanses and purifies). Because of the cross and through the Holy Spirit, God has done and is doing His part in purifying us and making us Christ-like.

“Now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” Ephesians 1:22

“…who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:14

Jesus never does anything without our permission. He invites, but never forces. He illuminates, but never compels. It is His will that we become pure, but it won’t happen unless and until we do our part.

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

The Scriptures are also important in the refining process.

“…from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:15-16

Don’t be surprised when trials come your way. Understand that God would only allow them for your good. They may not FEEL good, but it is part of the purifying process. Don’t resist it. Allow the impurity in your life to be burned out.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:1-2

There will be a reward. It will be worth it;

“Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

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It's easy to read the scriptures, but we aren't called to simply be readers and hear-ers of the word. We are called to be do-ers as well. So what do you "do" when the you encounter God's refining fire? You acknowledge it, THEN you accept it (don't reject it). We are called to burn out the devil. The refining fire burns away ALL impurities, and leaves you pure, reflecting Christ.

Do others see Christ when they look at you?

What impurities need to be burned away?

Pray for God's refining fire in your personal life, but I challenge you to pray for these fires over every aspect of your life; your family, friendships, school, work, and your church.

Choose to find God in all things, and he will sustain you through he fire.

Be blessed!