Refined Through Trials: The Journey to Holiness
Summary
Today, we continue our series on the pursuit of holiness, focusing on the concept of the refiner's fire. Over the past few weeks, we've explored various aspects of sanctification, including obedience, forgiveness, and the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love. Today, we delve into the refining process that God uses to purify us, making us more like Him.
We begin by understanding the difference between justification and sanctification. Justification is the act of being made right with God through the blood of Jesus, a one-time event that happens when we accept Christ. Sanctification, however, is an ongoing process where we are continually being made holy, becoming more like Christ. This process involves obedience, forgiveness, and love, as we discussed in previous weeks.
Today, we focus on the refiner's fire, a metaphor for the trials and tests we go through in life. In Malachi 3:2-3, God is described as a refiner who purifies us like gold and silver. This refining process involves intense heat that brings impurities to the surface, which are then removed, leaving behind pure, precious metal. Similarly, God uses trials and tests to bring our impurities to the surface so that He can remove them, making us more like Him.
We read from Malachi 3:2-3, which describes God as a refiner who purifies us. This process is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Throughout our lives, we will face various trials and tests designed to refine us, to separate what is pure from what is impure. This is essential for our sanctification, our pursuit of holiness.
In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we are reminded that trials test the genuineness of our faith, much like fire tests and purifies gold. These trials are necessary to prove that our faith is genuine and to develop endurance. James 1:2-4 echoes this sentiment, encouraging us to count it all joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance, making us mature and complete.
We also explore the difference between testing and temptation. Testing and trials come from God and are designed to draw us closer to Him, while temptation comes from our flesh or the enemy and is meant to pull us away from God. Understanding this distinction helps us navigate our spiritual journey more effectively.
The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land serves as a powerful example of the refining process. God led them through the wilderness to teach them to depend on Him, to worship Him in difficult circumstances. This period of testing was necessary to prepare them for the Promised Land. Similarly, our trials and tests prepare us for the promises God has for us.
We must understand that the refining process is not meant to destroy us but to purify us. It is through this process that we develop godly character, integrity, and a pure heart. Proverbs 17:3 tells us that the Lord tests the heart, not to see what is in it, but to show us what is in it. This revelation allows us to surrender our impurities to God, to be purified and made more like Him.
As we go through the refining process, we must remember that God is with us. Deuteronomy 31:8 and Matthew 28:20 remind us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Even in the midst of our trials, He is with us, guiding us, and refining us.
In conclusion, the pursuit of holiness involves a lifelong process of refinement. We must embrace the trials and tests, understanding that they are necessary for our sanctification. As we go through the refiner's fire, we become more like Christ, reflecting His image more clearly. Let us trust in God's refining process, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Difference Between Justification and Sanctification: Justification is a one-time event where we are made right with God through the blood of Jesus. Sanctification, however, is an ongoing process where we are continually being made holy, becoming more like Christ. This process involves obedience, forgiveness, and love. [02:08]
2. The Refiner's Fire: In Malachi 3:2-3, God is described as a refiner who purifies us like gold and silver. This refining process involves intense heat that brings impurities to the surface, which are then removed, leaving behind pure, precious metal. Similarly, God uses trials and tests to bring our impurities to the surface so that He can remove them, making us more like Him. [05:14]
3. Testing vs. Temptation: Testing and trials come from God and are designed to draw us closer to Him, while temptation comes from our flesh or the enemy and is meant to pull us away from God. Understanding this distinction helps us navigate our spiritual journey more effectively. [13:43]
4. The Israelites' Journey as a Metaphor: The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land serves as a powerful example of the refining process. God led them through the wilderness to teach them to depend on Him, to worship Him in difficult circumstances. This period of testing was necessary to prepare them for the Promised Land. [23:00]
5. God's Presence in the Refining Process: As we go through the refining process, we must remember that God is with us. Deuteronomy 31:8 and Matthew 28:20 remind us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Even in the midst of our trials, He is with us, guiding us, and refining us. [54:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:08] - Introduction to the Series
[05:14] - The Refiner's Fire
[13:43] - Testing vs. Temptation
[23:00] - The Israelites' Journey
[54:56] - God's Presence in the Refining Process
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Refiner's Fire
#### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 3:2-3: "But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 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."
2. 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
3. James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Malachi 3:2-3, what is the purpose of the refiner's fire? How does this process work? ([05:14])
2. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, what is the result of enduring trials and tests? ([10:10])
3. How does James 1:2-4 describe the attitude we should have towards trials? What do these trials produce in us? ([26:05])
4. What distinction does the sermon make between testing and temptation? ([13:43])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand the difference between justification and sanctification in the context of the refiner's fire? ([02:08])
2. How do the trials and tests we face reveal the genuineness of our faith, according to 1 Peter 1:6-7? ([10:10])
3. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' journey through the wilderness about the refining process? ([15:37])
4. How does understanding that God is with us during the refining process (Deuteronomy 31:8, Matthew 28:20) change our perspective on trials? ([54:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did it bring impurities to the surface in your life? What steps did you take to address these impurities? ([07:26])
2. The sermon mentioned that the refining process is lifelong. How can you embrace this process in your daily walk with God? ([09:19])
3. How can you differentiate between a trial that is meant to refine you and a temptation that is meant to pull you away from God? Share a personal experience where you faced either. ([13:43])
4. The Israelites had to learn to worship God in the wilderness. How can you cultivate a heart of worship during your own "wilderness" seasons? ([23:00])
5. Proverbs 17:3 says that the Lord tests the heart. What are some practical ways you can guard your heart and ensure it remains pure? ([36:05])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and promises during difficult times? Share a scripture or practice that helps you stay focused on God. ([54:56])
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you feel God is refining you. What steps can you take to cooperate with His refining process? ([58:30])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the concept of the refiner's fire and its role in our pursuit of holiness. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: The Journey of Justification and Sanctification
Sanctification is an ongoing process where we are continually being made holy, becoming more like Christ. This process involves obedience, forgiveness, and love. Justification, on the other hand, is a one-time event where we are made right with God through the blood of Jesus. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial for our spiritual growth. Justification happens when we accept Christ, but sanctification is a lifelong journey that requires our active participation. As we grow in our faith, we must continually seek to obey God's commands, forgive others as we have been forgiven, and love as Christ loves us. This journey is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual maturity and our pursuit of holiness. [02:08]
Hebrews 10:14 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice more obedience, forgiveness, or love? How can you actively participate in your sanctification process today?
Day 2: Embracing the Refiner's Fire
In Malachi 3:2-3, God is described as a refiner who purifies us like gold and silver. This refining process involves intense heat that brings impurities to the surface, which are then removed, leaving behind pure, precious metal. Similarly, God uses trials and tests to bring our impurities to the surface so that He can remove them, making us more like Him. This process is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Throughout our lives, we will face various trials and tests designed to refine us, to separate what is pure from what is impure. This is essential for our sanctification, our pursuit of holiness. [05:14]
Zechariah 13:9 (ESV): "And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’"
Reflection: Think about a recent trial or test you have faced. How did it bring impurities to the surface in your life? How can you allow God to use this experience to refine you and make you more like Him?
Day 3: Understanding Testing vs. Temptation
Testing and trials come from God and are designed to draw us closer to Him, while temptation comes from our flesh or the enemy and is meant to pull us away from God. Understanding this distinction helps us navigate our spiritual journey more effectively. When we face trials, we can trust that God is using them to refine us and strengthen our faith. However, when we face temptation, we must recognize it as an attempt to lead us away from God and seek His help to resist it. By understanding the difference between testing and temptation, we can better navigate our spiritual journey and grow in our faith. [13:43]
James 1:12-13 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you faced either a test or a temptation. How did you respond, and what did you learn from it? How can you better distinguish between testing and temptation in the future?
Day 4: Learning from the Israelites' Journey
The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land serves as a powerful example of the refining process. God led them through the wilderness to teach them to depend on Him, to worship Him in difficult circumstances. This period of testing was necessary to prepare them for the Promised Land. Similarly, our trials and tests prepare us for the promises God has for us. By looking at the Israelites' journey, we can learn valuable lessons about trusting God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Their journey reminds us that God is always with us, guiding us, and refining us for His purposes. [23:00]
Deuteronomy 8:2 (ESV): "And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not."
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt like you were in a "wilderness" season. How did God use that time to teach you to depend on Him? What lessons can you apply to your current circumstances?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Presence During Refinement
As we go through the refining process, we must remember that God is with us. Deuteronomy 31:8 and Matthew 28:20 remind us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Even in the midst of our trials, He is with us, guiding us, and refining us. This assurance of God's presence gives us the strength and courage to face our trials with faith and perseverance. Knowing that God is with us every step of the way helps us to trust in His refining process and to embrace the trials and tests that come our way. As we go through the refiner's fire, we become more like Christ, reflecting His image more clearly. [54:56]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: How does knowing that God is with you in the midst of your trials change your perspective on them? How can you remind yourself of His presence and guidance during difficult times?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. He'll never leave you. He'll never forsake you. In Matthew 28, verse 20, this is Jesus' last words in this book. And he's telling the disciples to go. Make disciples of all nations. Baptize them. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And then he says this. He says, Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And listen to the promise that he leaves us with. And be sure of this. I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [54:56]
2. "It's not easy. But we know that you are with us. We know that you are for us. And Lord, so I pray for your people today. And I just, I want to let you know today, people of God, that these altars are open. If you want to just come and step out, kneel before God this morning, please feel free to do that. But Lord, I pray for your people this morning, God. And I just thank you, Lord. I thank you, God, that no matter what, Lord, the fire is not meant to destroy us, Lord. It is meant to purify us. So that we can reflect you better." [57:46]
3. "What is happening? Why did I have to walk through this? But nonetheless, your will be done. Not mine. That's what Jesus said. So can we just begin to speak that? Lord, have your way. Let your will be done. Let your will be done in my life. Let it be done, Lord. Let it be done, Lord. I am not going to step out of the fire prematurely. Have your way to completion in my life, Lord. Whatever it is, whatever lesson I need to be taught, Lord God, I am open, I'm willing, Lord God. Lord, as things begin to rise to the surface in my heart and in my life, Lord, I give them to you right now. I surrender them to you right now, Lord. Whatever it is." [58:30]
4. "Pure gold cannot be tarnished no matter what atmosphere you put it in. So when you go through God's refining, His testing, you can no longer be tarnished by the world, by the atmosphere, by the world. Whatever situation you walk into, whatever situation you find yourself, whatever atmosphere you find yourself in, as you have gone through God's refining process, you can no longer be tarnished. You can no longer be affected. Those things are not going to stick to you." [32:16]
5. "We are called to be thermostats, not thermometers. Anybody could be a thermometer. Anybody can walk into a room and gauge the temperature of the room. But the authority placed in you when you begin to walk in the authority and you begin to carry His name, you begin to be an ambassador of Christ, you can walk into a room and literally change the temperature of the room because of the Holy Spirit that you are carrying inside of you." [33:57]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The refining process, what it's doing is it's separating. It's separating what is pure from that that is impure. What is holiness? Do you remember when we talked, we've been talking about holiness, right? To be holy is to be set apart. To be set apart. To be separated. So, really we can see here, in order to be holy as I am holy, this is what God says in his word, be holy as I am holy, be set apart, be separated, we have to go through the refiner's fire. It is the thing that is separating what is pure and holy in our life from that which is impure." [08:24]
2. "It's not a demon. It's just your flesh. It's your flesh. And here's the thing about that. You don't cast out the flesh. You crucify it. And we have to understand the difference. I'm not discrediting deliverance and the deliverance ministries that are really rising up now because it's necessary. I heard God said, my people need deliverance. But a lot of times, because the Bible is very clear about it, Jesus talks all the time about it. It's the flesh that we have to crucify daily, surrender to daily. And a lot of things that we deal, deal with in our life is not the demonic. It is the flesh that we need to crucify daily. And that's a huge part of the refining process where we give God access." [45:58]
3. "The refining shows us. Have you ever been through something, right, and all of a sudden something comes out, and you're like, where did that come from? Right? Because maybe you're in a sticky, maybe you're on the road or something. You know what I'm saying. And all of a sudden something comes out of you, and you're like, whoa. But guess what? It was always in there. The refining, the testing, the trying, it has things come to the surface. So that way God is showing us, hey, here's some things. Why? Because God will never forcibly take something out of your life. He doesn't do that. He doesn't force something out of you. It's up to us to say, oh, I see it now, God. I see these things that are coming to the surface that are impurities in my heart. And Lord, I give them to you. I put them on the altar before you, God. Take it, have your way in my life." [40:59]
4. "The Israelites are really an example for us to look at God's people then for us now, okay? Now, for us, the promised land, you got to understand this, is not a destination here on earth. We never arrive. We made it. The promised land, I believe, really speaks to our hope and glory, right? It really speaks to eternal life. It really speaks to heaven. But here's the thing about that. And Jesus, he talks about this, right? He says, you're not of this world, right? And then we get that saying, we're in the world, but we're not of the world, right? And it really comes from Jesus saying that to us. Like, listen, you are not of this world. Your home and your destination in heaven is where you belong, right?" [17:21]
5. "So, walking in the will of God is just that. It's walking in promise. It's living in promise. But here's the thing. You can be walking in promise. You can be the will of God, and you're still going to go through trials. You're still going to go through testing. No matter what, it's, in fact, you will. It's not you might. You will. And just because you are being refined, and you are being tested, you're being tried, that does not mean that you are not in the will of God. In fact, oftentimes, it's right where you need to be. And it's God's love that is allowing you to go through what you're going through, because he's refining you." [18:00]
6. "The process is the testing. The process is the wilderness, the desert. The process is the refining time. And our whole life here is really that process. Your whole life on earth is that process. It never ends. Like I said, that's what sanctification is, right? It's not a destination. It's not where you just say, I have been, I'm sanctified. I'm done. The Lord's work is complete in me here. No. It is a process, right? It's a process that we continually walk through. And that's why we're saying the pursuit of holiness is what we've entitled this series. It's a pursuit. It's something is the pursuit. It's the pursuit of becoming more and more like him." [19:09]
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