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)?

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^[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.

Hope Piercing the Darkness

1 Peter 1

Hope is a powerful thing to possess; perhaps one of the Christian’s greatest assets in a world still writhing from the impact of sin and painfully unfamiliar with the Lord. Its darkness…. The kind that accompany suffering, injustice, and feeling like you have been displaced in a hostile foreign country. While we know we have certain rights and desire the same privileges others enjoy, we are nevertheless denied them simply because of our faith in Jesus. Its darkness when right is viewed as wrong and wrong is portrayed as right.  Anyone else can express their opinions publicly and they will be celebrated for it, but as soon as a Christian takes their faith outside of the walls of their church, they are sharply rebuked for proselytizing in the public square. Beloved, this is evidence of darkness. In many places of the world the darkness is aggressively hostile and violent against followers of our Lord Jesus. There are governments and countries with intentional and concerted efforts to rid themselves of the people of God. Yes, this is heavy pitch black thick impenetrable darkness…and yet…we have real hope.

Peter tells these believers who are experiencing some measure of persecution that they have a living hope because of the resurrected Christ! He, as an apostle of our Lord, knew what it means to cower under pressure denying the Lord; he also fully understood the pain of standing boldly for Christ while facing hostile neighbors and countrymen. Peter grappled with positive changes to advance the gospel to gentile peoples braking with traditions that only served to hinder the expansion of Christ’s hope. As something of a gospel pioneer, Peter knew well the pain, loneliness, and what it means to be misunderstood by not only the lost but also the brethren. No doubt God used Peter’s struggles and sufferings to enable him to minister deeply to the hurting and to communicate a message of powerful hope. Hope so extraordinary that it can even pierce the darkness of this world.

These believers were “scattered” and referred to as “strangers” and maybe even disinherited. Perhaps they felt powerless…unable to leverage their rights…without any earthly authority to mention. Weak, unwanted, barely tolerated, and spurn like a plague or virus. Because of their faith in Jesus, the world system did not want them around. Wandering like pilgrims who seek another country whose builder and maker is the Lord God. Not only did Peter know they felt orphaned and rejected, but God knows they felt displaced as people who really did not belong here.  Struggling under bone-crushing trials because of their pure stand with Christ…what could one say to encourage them? Some of them lost their families, their inheritance, their livelihood, and even family members to death by persecution! What could Peter, the apostle, possibly say to them that would be worth their hearing it? Even though the hour is dark…they still have the light of hope in Jesus Christ!

Peter reminds them that though they are rejected by the world, they are “elect” and chosen by God! Though they are viewed as tainted, diluted, and offensive, Peter reminds them they have been set apart unto God for His purposes through the “sanctification of the Spirit”! Though the world discards them viewing them as worthless, God willingly spent the precious “blood of Jesus Christ” to have them as His own covenant people! In addition, God is not merely interested in blessing them, but He desires to multiply grace and peace in their experiences. Furthermore, they also have the assurance of salvation and preservation by God! Peter encourages them by telling them their heavenly inheritance is guaranteed. They may have lost it all down here to cruel family members, but the Father promises their eternal inheritance will not be taken away. Such an inheritance will never ever fade, decay, or be stolen; it is yours always by your heavenly Father’s design. Such hope affords joy even during the hard challenges and weighty trials of faith we must make.  Such hope moves us to “bless… the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” This potent hope is just as alive as our Savior the Lord Jesus is; as such it continually ministers grace and peace to the people of God as we take it seriously. Beloved such hope deliberately pierces the darkest times. Oh, may it prevail in each of our hearts today. The anticipation that Jesus could come and receive us unto Himself at any moment delivering us into our eternal inheritance is a tremendous source of hope for the suffering child of God.  It is by faith we realize the immediate benefit of this hope. Beloved, you must trust in this God-provided hope.

The believer can not only know hope in the dark hours of pain, but we can also know “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” You see, God can not only establish our faith, but also purge it through the tests of life. This realization gives meaning and affords blessing to each of us during difficult times. God’s purpose in pain is to purge our faith of impurities, lies, and misconceptions about Him and ourselves. God desires a clear view of reality as He knows it and not according to our often limited and skewed perspectives. Beloved, a tried faith is “much more precious than gold.” Our faith becomes more valuable as it is put to the test and demonstrates its imperishable nature. We must not allow ourselves to resent the tests God permits us to face…. In addition, our progress through problems will bring “praise honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”  This is the perspective of faith even though we have never physically met our Savior. The fact that we are saved is reason to rejoice; our purified faith will bring God glory and result in our good! You see, even in suffering there is this hope that pierces the darkness.

As believers, we have the completed Word of God and therefore, a fuller understanding of our great salvation.  The prophets of old wrote about it, but did not understand it entirely.  Even though they gave great expositions of the suffering and glory of Christ, they still did not grasp all the details and intricacies of this present age.  They wrote for our benefit today.  Clearly, God wants us to understand and appreciate the wonderful work of salvation He has wrought for us.  This knowledge will sustain the hope and joy in the heart of the faithful saint enduring unfavorable circumstances. In fact, God even uses Christians today as an object lesson for teaching angels about His unmerited favor towards sinful fallen mankind. 

Peter also challenges the believer to live in holiness.  During unfair and hard trials, our behavior can become less then Christian.  Unfortunately, some may even justify their poor and wrong attitudes in the light of their afflictions. They may feel justified for their anger, resentment, and desires for revenge.  However, Peter reminds the child of God that holiness is not a matter of convenience, or circumstances, but one of commitment and character.  Recognizing that the Father is holy and judges righteously prompts us believers to show forth this same characteristic in daily life.  Realizing our responsibility in the light of the precious blood of Jesus Christ shed at Calvary for our redemption, stirs us to abandon cheap, corrupt, vain, and traditional lifestyles.  A life of hope and holiness is the only thing befitting a believer bought with such an awesome price and destined for such astounding glory!

The Bible gives clear counsel on living as set apart people unto God’s pleasure, purpose, and plans.  In fact, through belief of “the truth” believers are purified enabling them to practice “unfeigned love” towards the brethren.  In addition, believers were “born again” by the incorruptible seed of the Word for living a non-corrupted life.  This eternal Word affords eternal life and an eternal perspective that result in eternal glory for the child of God.  Since our hope in this life is glory despite the pain, then holiness throughout this life is a natural response to such hope.

Indeed, the salvation of God gives us plenty reason to anticipate a better day.  For the time being the pain is real, the frustrations are real, and the disappointments are real.  But, the hope we have in Christ by the grace of the Father is equally just as real.  The sufferings we currently know will become the glory we now anticipate.  No matter how dark, bleak, unpromising, and foreboding the present hour may be, the future is getting brighter all the time.  We must not lose sight of this hope. Salvation through Christ the living Savior means hope, faith, and joy every day and glory for all eternity! Beloved, such prevailing hope still pierces the darkness.