Fostering the Attitude of Trust 2

1 Thessalonians 5:17

SUBJECT: Cultivating the Christian Attitude of Trust

THEME: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Trust by praying without ceasing; infusing prayer with communion, confidence, and consistency!

INTRODUCTION: Our aim here is to expand further on the attitude of trust. We have examined how our prayers must be infused with communion with the Most High as an exercise of trust. Now, we need to explore the role of confidence in prayer noting how this demonstrates trust also. Referring to trust The Dictionary of Bible Themes adds this definition,

Trust: Reliance on and confidence in a person. Scripture affirms the total trustworthiness of God, especially in relation to his promises to his people. Christian faith is, essentially, trust in the person and character of God.^[1]

For us believers, trust rests soundly on the person and character of the Almighty. God is the proper object of our confidence; He presents us with every convincing argument of his unique trustworthiness and anything he says or promises can be taken as true, reliable and fully credible. Again trust is not some philosophical consideration for the intellectually elite to debate in the ivory towers of academia; no, trust is most relevant to life and certainly to a robust Christian experience.  

So then, how may we improve our trust in Jehovah God? One way to practice and cultivate trust/confidence in God is to “pray without ceasing” (1Thess. 5:17).

RELEVANCE: As Christians our inner life is deeply important to God and our spiritual welfare—attitudes, motives, and behaviors are equally weighty aspects of our growth in grace. Doing the right things and being the right person should be in harmony. Certainly, our inner lives are to be consecrated to the glory of our Lord God.

FOSTER THE ATTITUDE OF TRUST THROUGH PRAYER  

1Thes 5:17, Pray without ceasing.

Recall the Lord Jesus’ promise, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. ²² And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.^[2]” (Matt. 21:21-22). 

Prayer and trusting God should be viewed as constituent parts of one whole. Much like neutrons, protons and electrons belong to a single atom. Meager prayer formalities empty of real trust/faith in God are powerless and ineffectual! So, how may be continue to build trust into our prayers?

Thesis: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Trust by praying without ceasing; that is infusing prayer with communion, confidence, and consistency!

LESSON:

I.               Foster the Attitude of Trust through Prayer Confidence

A.    Another Reason for Praying without Ceasing is Unwavering Confidence!

B.    Prayer Confidence is an Exercise of Trust

                                                  1.     Confidence in a faithful person is well placed; we cherish no fears that God will betray our expectations, disappoint or let us down as long as we pray his will.

                                                  2.     The Scriptures challenge us often to pray with confidence in the Lord…to cry out to him in faith and unflappable trust.

a.      Mark 11:22-24, And Jesus answering saith unto them, ^sHave faith in God. ²³ For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. ²⁴ Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.^[3]

b.     1 Tim 2:8, I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. ^[4]

c.      1 John 5:14-15, And this is the confidence [boldness and courage even in intimidating circumstances] that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: ¹⁵ And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.^[5]

d.     James 1:5-7, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. ⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.^[6]

                                                  3.     Prayer confidence stems from extensive trust in the character, competency, and counsel of God. Can we justify our doubting and reluctance to stand on God’s promises? When was the last time we privately or publicly claimed a promise of God’s Word in prayer?

C.    God is Worthy of our Trust 

                                                  1.     The Almighty Lord God is the true object of our trust.

a.      Prov. 22:19-21, That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. ²⁰ Have not I written to thee excellent things In counsels and knowledge, ²¹ That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?^[7]

b.     Prov. 3:5-7, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. ⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the Lord, and ^odepart from evil.^[8]

c.      Psalm 62:7-8, In God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. ⁸ Trust in him at all times; ye people, Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.^[9]

                                                  2.     The fear of God leads to trust. Pr 14:26.^[10]

                                                  3.     There are concrete grounds for trusting in our Father-God

a.      Trust in God’s power and strength Ex 14:31; 2Ti 1:12 See also 2Sa 22:1-3 pp Ps 18:2-3; Ps 9:9-10; 115:9-11; 144:1-2

b.     Trust in God’s unfailing love Ps 13:5 See also Ex 15:13; Ps 17:7; 21:7; 33:18; 52:8; 147:11

c.      Trust in God’s salvation Isa 12:2 See also 1Sa 17:37; Ps 22:4-5; 40:2-3; Isa 25:9

d.     Trust is nurtured by God’s revealed truth. Pr 22:19-21 See also Ps 18:30; 119:42; Pr 30:5; Jn 12:36; 14:1-3^[11]

                                                  4.     Why don’t we trust God more often than we do? Do we secretly doubt his power or ability to deliver? Are we too proud to need him?

                                                  5.     Why don’t we believe God will answer our prayers? Are we afraid that we are only setting ourselves up for a letdown? Do we think ourselves selves self-sufficient...independent?

                                                  6.     Why don’t we commit our needs to God with confidence? Are we afraid his love is insufficient to move him to meet our needs? Beloved, if God is worthy and deserving of our full confidence then why don’t we immediately run to him or turn to him? Do we trust ourselves more…than our Almighty Father-God?

                                                  7.      6929 Putting Down Whole Weight

To celebrate an old man’s seventy-fifth birthday, an aviation enthusiast offered to take him for a plane ride over the little West Virginia town where he spent all his life. The old man accepted the offer. Back on the ground, after circling over the town twenty minutes, his friend asked, “Were you scared, Uncle Dudley?” “No-o-o,” was the hesitant answer. “But I never did put my full weight down.”^[12]

D.    Faith in God can Achieve Great Things

                                                  1.     Faith in our heavenly Father can move unmovable obstacles. Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. ²² And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.^[13]” (Matt. 21:21-22). 

                                                  2.     The Lord literally looks for opportunities to show himself strong in the affairs of his people! 2 Chron. 16:9, For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.^[14]

                                                  3.     It is wisdom to commit the hard cases to the Father with full confidence. Drug attics are drug free because of him; violent offenders are now given to nurturing and treasuring others because of him; vagrants are transformed to productive citizens because of him; lairs have become people of integrity living and speaking the truth because of him. Financial needs are met, loneliness is replaced with family, friends, and church, and heartbreak is healed and strong enough to trust again. Keep praying for that lost love one, that prodigal daughter, that nearly worthless husband, that wife who medicates her emptiness by spending money you don’t have…commit them to the Lord in prayer. Believe him for the impossible.

                                                  4.     God still makes everything possible—all options remain on the table! Matt. 19:26, But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.^[15]

                                                  5.     NOTHING is impossible with God! Luke 1:37, For with God nothing shall be impossible.^[16]

                                                  6.     1499 Epigram On Faith

a.      Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.

b.     Faith is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable, and bear the intolerable.—David Lloyd George

c.      A little faith will bring your soul to heaven; a great faith will bring heaven to your soul.—Spurgeon

d.     Faith is not believing that God can, but that God will!^[17]

E.    Trusting God involves giving Control to God (Matt. 26:36-42)

                                                  1.     The relationship between trust and control must be considered: if we trust God more then we will need to control less. Lord Jesus fully illustrates what it means to trust God and his will completely at Gethsemane. You see, control is God’s place and trusting him with control is our place. Have you surrendered to his will and plan like the Lord Jesus did?

                                                  2.     How do we do this? How do we give control to God?

a.      Acknowledge God’s perfections and constantly affirm these realities to yourself

b.     Give him space to execute his will in his timing

c.      Refuse to give way to your fears, worries, anxieties, or your need to achieve/produce certain results or outcomes

d.     Use prayer to help you manage your associated stress or the risks associated with committing the matter with the Lord. The Lord Jesus clung to the Father in prayer during his most stressful moments. His sweat was mingles with his blood as he worked through the bone-crushing pressure of Calvary in his immediate future. He consciously choose to trust and prayer was his method to cope with the associated stress!

e.      Be open to change or different outcomes than originally anticipated; acknowledge that God has the freedom to do his work. The Lord Jesus wanted the will of the Father above all else.

f.      Be willing to live or even die under divine authority and wisdom; fear, worry, and anger are inappropriate responses to God’s control. Daniel faced down hungry lions by trusting God with control. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the roaring fiery furnace by trusting control with God! Clearly, the Lord Jesus trusted God’s wisdom and authority yielding his entire being to God’s control at Calvary and in the resurrection. See also Hebrews 11:35-40 for more examples of unflappable trust in God’s sovereign control.

                                                  3.     6924 Cromwell’s Secretary

Oliver Cromwell’s secretary was dispatched to the continent on some important business. He stayed one night at a seaport town, and tossed on his bed, unable to sleep.

According to an old custom, a servant slept in his room, and on this occasion slept soundly enough. The secretary at length awakened the man who asked how it was that his master could not rest.

“I am so afraid something will go wrong with the embassage [business of the envoy],” was the reply.

“Master,” said the valet, “may I ask a question or two?”

“To be sure.”

“Did God rule the world before we were born?”

“Most assuredly He did.”

“And will He rule it after we are dead?”

“Certainly He will.”

“Then, master, why not let Him rule the present, too?”

The secretary’s faith was stirred, peace was the result, and in a few minutes both he and his servant were in sound sleep.—Gleanings^[18]

F.     Trusting God involves real Obedience (Heb. 11:8-10)

                                                  1.     Obedience is marked by confidence

                                                  2.     Obedience is marked by courage

                                                  3.     Obedience is marked by commitment; Abraham cast all caution to the wind and confidently and courageously committed himself and his family to God’s plan—he believed God and his radicle obedience proved it.

                                                  4.     6925 Hudson Taylor’s Discovery

On June 25, 1865, James Hudson Taylor at thirty-three came to the great crisis of his life. The locale was Brighton beach on the south coast of England. There on a quiet Sunday morning he took a step of faith in response to a simple spiritual principle he had just discovered. He was surprised that this truth had so long eluded him. “If we are obeying the Lord, the responsibility rests with him, not with us!” Months of struggle were over, and the way ahead was clear. To obey the Scriptures and trust God to be faithful to his pledged Word was not rash.

Throwing caution and tradition to the winds, Hudson Taylor formed the China Inland Mission.—Arthur F. Glasser^[19]

CONCLUSION:

The second attitude the Apostle Paul prescribes for individual believers, Christians collectively and for entire congregations is to, “Pray without ceasing” (1Thes 5:17). Beloved, this is the expressed plan of God for us all in Christ Jesus. Yes, God commands this because it honors him, and it is wonderfully beneficial to us temporary and eternally. Your attitude matters to God because it often includes your emotions, intellect and behavior! We can foster the spiritual attitude of Trust by praying without ceasing; infusing prayer with communion, confidence, and consistency! Our prayers must not be reduces to mere rituals where we “say our prayers,” but never reach heaven. No, a thousand times NO! God invites us into sharing life with him through the sweet excellent communion and confidence of dialog with him. Why not take him up on his offer to engage him by praying without ceasing?

What about your prayer habits? Do you pray without ceasing? God fully expects us, his children, to engage him and come to him in prayer regularly. Do you enjoy communion with your heavenly Father? Do you cry out to him with confidence? Do you trust him implicitly and explicitly? Beloved, a pervasive trust in the Almighty is an essential attitude to cultivate. Please do not allow dull routine and mere rituals to rob you of a vibrant and fruitful life with our Father at the center of it!

---

^[1] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

^[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mt 21:21–22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mk 11:22–24). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Ti 2:8). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Jn 5:14–15). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[6] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Jas 1:5–7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 22:19–21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[8] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 3:5–7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[9] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ps 62:7–8). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[10] Torrey, R. A. (2001). The new topical text book: A scriptural text book for the use of ministers, teachers, and all Christian workers. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Bible Software.

^[11] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

^[12] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1526). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[13] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mt 21:21–22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[14] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 2 Ch 16:9). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[15] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mt 19:26). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[16] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 1:37). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[17] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 405). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[18] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1525). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[19] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1525). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

In God's Furnace

Gal. 5:16-26, (16, 18, 25); Prov. 17:3; 27:21

SUBJECT: Power for Purity

                                                                                   

THEME: Like a refiner purifying gold, God uses a furnace to refine and improve the quality of believers’ faith, character and service. We must maintain a yielded, cooperative, and participating attitude to come forth as the finest gold. Remember this truth: “The price of spiritual power is purity of heart.”

RELEVANCE: God not only removes the impurities from our lives and character, but he endeavors to refine and improve our lives in pursuit of the likeness to Jesus Christ. While he certainly subtracts the wickedness and sin, he also installs holy fruit and habits instead. The imagery of a furnace appears frightening, but it is important for us to understand how intensely God desires to develop the image of Christ in each of us. His fire will edify and purge the believer’s heart and habits; He will lead us into more effective series of positive changes resulting in purity and usefulness. 

INTRODUCTION:

Refining is the process of reducing the impurities in a substance. You can't turn crude oil into gasoline without first refining it. ... Refining can also mean the act of making something more efficient, such as a business process, or clear, such as an idea or argument. (Vocabulary.com) Often the Lord uses the metaphor of refining to point to his gracious and transformative work in the believers heart, character, and behaviors.

Proverbs 27:21, As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; So is a man to his praise.^[a]

Proverbs 17:3, The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: But the Lord trieth the hearts.^[b]

Precious metals are separated (extracted), purified, and concentrated through the refining process. As a result refined metals are more precious and valuable than raw ore. Many believers have emerged from the furnace of affliction more beautiful, refined and more useful to God than before.

Spiritual refining involves divine and human activities. The believer is to refine his praise to the Lord, and the Lord will test the hearts of believers to refine our character. Note the phrase in both passages, “the furnace for gold.” Yes, the furnace is for purifying and refining gold. Gold is one of the most valuable metals on the planet; refining is for improving that which is valuable and precious. The refining involves removing the impurities AND concentrating the valuable metal for higher usages and purposes. This is precisely the Lord’s express purpose in Malachi 3:2-3, which says,

But who may abide the day of his coming?

And who shall stand when he appeareth?

For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:

And he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver,

That they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.^[c]

Likewise, the Lord still undertakes to refine our character, clarify our purpose, raise us to higher endeavors, and use us in more meaningful ways and services for his glory.

Psalm 12:6, The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

It is God's ambition and hopefully our desire to refine and improve the quality of our faith, character and service unto the Lord. Though we are tried seven times in a furnace, our hope is to come forth as gold. Is this desire in your heart? Do you yearn to be more like the Lord Jesus? Really...do you want this?

The Spirit’s Refining Fire—Cultivating Christ-Likeness in God’s Furnace (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Spirit’s Fire Refines our Faith in God, Increases our Value to Others, Improves the Quality of our Character, and Heightens our usefulness in God’s Service. By developing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, the Holy Spirit transforms the quality of our Christian experience by adding tremendous value.

Gal. 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.^[d]

The more the Spirit fills and controls our minds and hearts the more this fruit will be evident in our character, expressions and ministry. It is vital for us to understand that bearing fruit is a supernatural production wrought by God's Spirit.

Dr. W. MacDonald agrees and comments on this passage saying,

It is significant that the apostle distinguishes between the works of the flesh, and the fruit of the Spirit. Works are produced by human energy. Fruit is grown as a branch abides in the vine (John 15:5). They differ as a factory and a garden differ. Note that fruit is singular, not plural. The Holy Spirit produces one kind of fruit, that is, Christlikeness. All the virtues now listed describe the life of the child of God. Dr. C. I. Scofield has pointed out that every one of them is foreign to the soil of the human heart.^[e]

Concerning the dynamics of the “fruit of the Spirit,” and how this fruit is produced Dr. D. K. Campbell writes,

It is important to observe that the fruit here described is not produced by a believer, but by the Holy Spirit working through a Christian who is in vital union with Christ (cf. John 15:1–8). The word “fruit” is singular, indicating that these qualities constitute a unity, all of which should be found in a believer who lives under the control of the Spirit. In an ultimate sense this “fruit” is simply the life of Christ lived out in a Christian. It also points to the method whereby Christ is formed in a believer (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:21).^[f]

Again this is not merely people learning more, acquiring new skills, or broadening their experience. While these developmental strategies are employed, the outcomes are utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit. This is God shaping Christ-likeness (character) in you and me.  Yes, we all have some kind of character whether good or bad, but this is the choice jewel of all character development--to be conformed to the image of God's precious Son! What an extraordinary honor for us! 

One more foundational observation is necessary at this point, and it can be grasped in Galatians 5:5. This passage testifies to the fact that there is an inter-dependence between the Spirit of God and the believer to produce righteousness in us. Note thoughtfully what the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:5, "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith."^[g]

Don't miss his emphasis..."for we through the Spirit"! This is the vital relationship highlighting a collaborative exchange between us and the Lord. The word “wait” refers to looking and eagerly anticipating a virtuous and honorable lifestyle—the constant practice of righteousness. Ultimately, this is glorification, but immediately it refers to sanctification. Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, an attitude of intense yearning and an eager waiting for holiness resides in us. Such a godly and holy lifestyle can be constantly produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit as we trust him for it and yield our entire being to Him. While this is not sinless perfection, it is an active desire for living free of sinful practices and being drenched with the power of God unto continuing holy expression. This desire—this passion for godliness—this longing and dependence upon the Spirit for right-ness—is evidence of holy refining fire within! Are you on fire for God? Does a holy passion for right-ness abide in you? Is it consuming you? 

1.     One Purpose of the Holy Spirit’s Indwelling is to Refine Believers and Cultivate Christ-like Character within us.

A.    To Produce the Fruit of the Spirit—Christ-like Character. The beautiful fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, and temperance, and this is our character (Gal 5:22-23). God refines by His Spirit.

B.    To Take Great Care in Developing Holy Character. We must actually and actively add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (2Pet. 1:5-8). God commands us to give all diligence to add to our faith! That is throw yourself into it. Please do not confuse this with fleshly or carnal human strength or effort! We have an obligation to cooperate with the Spirit to cultivate higher quality in our character. Character develops through our decisions and the deliberate development of holy habits.

C.    God aims to produce fine gold in you and me! Job 23:10, But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

D.    Choose a Spirit-filled Life to be truly Fruitful and Refined deep within.

E.    Walk daily in the Spirit’s Power and Grace—by faith depend on Him to Produce the Fruit of the Spirit in your experience (Gal. 5:16, 22, 23).

F.     Relationally, such believers are gracious, pleasant, well-adjusted, capable, and great to be around and to work with.

2.     God has Specific Processes and a Clear Purpose for Refining Believers.

A.    God uses the Process of Persecution to Refine us (1Pet. 1:7).

B.    God uses the Process of Intense Trails (often in series) to Refine Us (Js. 1:2-8).

C.    God uses the Process of Corrective Judgments to Refine us (Isa. 1:25; 48:10; Jer. 9:7; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:2, 3).

D.    God uses the Process of Heart Examinations to Refine us (Jdg. 7:4 (Gideon’s men); Pss. 17:3b; 26:2b; 66:10).

E.    Trust the Lord to Choose the Best Processes for you and Cooperate with Him fully.

F.     Such believers can be greatly used of the Lord for special ministry and service in a broken and hurting world.

G.   God’s purpose in refinement is Christ-likeness (Rom. 8:28-29; 2Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:22).

             3.     But, Commitment and Cooperation with The Refining Process are My Responsibility.

A.    Aspire to be a Faithful and Useful Servant of God by giving Careful Adherence to God’s Word (2Tim. 2:15-23).

B.    Engender a Habit of Regular Self-Examination and make Changes that align your Life with God’s Will. Psalm 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 

C.    Surrender to the Spirit to Produce His Graceful Fruit in your Experience (Gal. 5:22-23).

D.    Throw yourself into Developing Real Christian Character (2Pet. 1:5-8).

4. Refining Fire Will Involve Afflictions and Trials, But It Will Also Bring Eternal Glory.

A.    2 Cor. 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory

B.    God will be with you through the night seasons!

C.    The Refiner’s Fire—As she watched the silversmith, 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. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” (Malachi 3:3) She asked the silversmith 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 a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, ‘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.’

               5.     The Refining of Believers Requires Fire (Testing, Persecutions, Corrective Judgments, Self-Examinations, and the Ministry of the Spirit).

A.    Isa. 1:25, And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:

B.    Fire—or Intense Temperature—is used to Melt and Purify Metals (1 Pet.1:6-9). This image was applied to God's people (1 Pet. 4:12-19) repeatedly! (Read also about the comfort God affords in 2Cor. 1:3-7).

C.    Watch out for Resentment and Anger! Guard against resenting the Lord’s authority or refuse to become angry with the Lord because of the challenges he uses in your experiences. Do not allow yourself to doubt his wisdom, love, or power. Resist the need or desire to control your circumstances; yield control to the Lord and trust his love and efforts to be for your good.  

D.    God works to Cleanse Believers of All the Father deems Impure. The Holy Spirit literally burns sin out of us so that we won’t burn in our sinful desires. Recall what Paul wrote in Romans 8:10-11, And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

E.    The result of the Spirit’s Influence is Spiritual Refinement and Power.

1.Reduced impurities in the heart, mind, spirit, and soul.

2.Enhanced skills, sharper vision, proven strategies, and advanced leadership skills.

3.Refined and free from coarse, unsuitable, or immoral characteristics! 

4.Refined spiritually in manners, lifestyle, and speech.

5.Polished for special, unique, and delicate areas of service! (Mal. 3:3)

Conclusion:

Like a refiner purifying gold, God uses a furnace to refine and improve the quality of believers’ faith, character and service. We must maintain a yielded, cooperative, and participating attitude to come forth as the finest gold.

Romans 12:1, says, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Isn’t it time to present ourselves to God once and for all? He obviously has great plans for us, but are you willing to be refined in His furnace? There are many in line to get a title, a position, to have some power or authority…. There is no want for people who want recognition for their involvement and volunteering…. The question before us is, are you ready to change for the better by the fire of God’s Spirit? Is there a burning passion in you to truly become more like Jesus?

Perhaps our need is still more along the lines of cleansing and purging? Will you pray with the Psalmist?

Psalm 139:23, says, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Psalm 51:10, says, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Can God show you where you are from His perspective? Will you submit to His thorough examinations? Is there a cry in you to be recreated deep within…to have a clean heart? Do you yearn for personal revival? 

Remember this truth: “The price of spiritual power is a purity of heart.” Ask God to reveal anything that might hinder His flow of power in your life.

• Do I treasure deceptive and misleading goals, sinful-worldly pleasures, Christ-dishonoring habits, ugly pride, myself or my friends?
• Have I fully submitted to the authority of my Lord expressed in the Bible by refusing conformity to this world while choosing the transforming power of a spiritually renewed mind (Romans 12:1, 2)?

---

^[a] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 27:21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[b] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 17:3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[c] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mal 3:2–3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[d] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ga 5:22–23). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[e] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1894). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[f] Campbell, D. K. (1985). Galatians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 608). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[g] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ga 5:5). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.