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God, The Refiner (Mal. 3:3) Many are headed back to school tomorrow to be refined, but let us remember that God is refining us for a far greater purpose… |
God, The Refiner (Malachi 3:3)
Many head back to school tomorrow to be “refined,” remember we are being refined for a greater purpose…
- The Refiner’s Pot
- Is one of love for it contains that which is valuable (Gen. 1:27; Psalm 8:1-9; John 3:16)
- Seeks to improve its contents by bring forth greater value, remove impurities:
- Works through heat, even as trials and difficulties of life try us and perfect us (James 1:2-4)
- But not a destructive heat (1 Cor. 10:13)
- The Refiner’s Purpose
- He wants what is best and so refines and molds us into something greater (Isa. 1:18; 1 John 1:7; Rom 12:2).
- The trials and experiences of life are not worthless:
- They prepare us for eternity (1 Pet. 1:3-9)
- They help us anticipate heaven (2 Cor. 4:16-5:1; Heb. 11:13-16; Col. 3:1-2)
- Tries/proves our faith (Gen. 22:1,12; 1 Cor. 3:11-15)
- Helps us appreciate blessings (Lk. 17:17; Col. 3:15)
- Equips us to help others (2 Cor. 1:3-7)
- Teaches us to trust Him (Jer. 10:23; 2 Cor. 1:8-11, 12:9; James 4:8-10)
- The Refiner’s Product
- A refiner holds the silver over the fire until he can see himself reflected.
- This is what God seeks to accomplish
