God the Refiner

Personal Testimony and Introduction Expresses appreciation for a song, emphasizing the importance of having Jesus above worldly desires. “I got everything. You got Jesus, you got everything.” Rejects the idea of “living the dream” in a worldly sense, preferring to focus on reaching the “other side of the honor.” An encounter with an acquaintance who claimed to be “living the dream” prompted reflection on priorities. Acknowledges personal imperfection but emphasizes striving for salvation through Jesus Christ. Salvation is achieved through being “born again by the blood of Jesus Christ.” Emphasizes that the Father must call on you to go through the door. Malachi 3: God the Refiner The sermon is based on Malachi 3, focusing on God as a refiner. Key verses: Malachi 3:2-3 “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 fuller’s 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.” Understanding the Refiner’s Process Fuller’s Soap: Definition: A strong alkaline substance used to clean and whiten cloth, especially wool, in ancient times. Made from harsh substances from plants and ashes to remove impurities or stains. The Refiner’s Role: Heating: The refiner heats silver and gold to bring impurities to the surface. In Christian life, this is likened to God “turning up the heat,” revealing impurities. Separation: Impurities are separated, skimmed, and removed. Saved individuals must separate themselves from sin, requiring God’s help. The devil tempts with things that appear “shiny,” but one must remain steadfast in faith. Patience and Observation: The refiner carefully monitors the process to prevent damage to the metal. God is patient, dealing with individuals to ensure they are not damaged during trials. Purification: Fire refines gold and silver; God uses trials and challenges to purify His people, removing their sinful nature. God is present during trials, ensuring individuals are not alone in the “fire.” God’s Constant Presence and Faith Trust in God is essential during trials and tribulations, strengthening faith. The refining process involves God removing impurities. Recognizing Completion: A refiner knows the process is complete when they can see their reflection in the refined metal. God considers the process complete when He sees His Son (Jesus) reflected in an individual. Even during tribulations and trials, God is always present. Turning away from God requires a greater effort to return. Stepping away from God requires walking “20 miles away and 60 back to Him.” God bought individuals with a precious price, and they should not disregard His sacrifice. Personal Struggles and Reliance on God Acknowledges the need for ongoing refinement by God to remove impurities. Expresses a desire to maintain a “clean slate” with God, free from accumulated sin. Shares past experiences of facing challenges and relying on God’s support. There was a time of praying to God, asking “which devil am I going to meet tonight?” The refiner (God) never encourages neglecting prayer, Bible reading, or church attendance. Personal experiences of being “melded” and “burnt” by preachers, requiring repentance and forgiveness. God’s forgiveness leads to Him seeing Himself in the individual again. The Significance of Jesus Christ Every mention of “Jesus Christ” and the sight of a “bloody cross” evokes a sense of gratitude for the sacrifice made. No one but Jesus Christ could pay the debt of sin. Expresses a desire to avoid worldly actions and sins, preferring to face consequences in this life rather than in the afterlife. Repentance is crucial, and pride should not prevent it. The Nature of God’s Refinement God refines individuals like silver and gold, removing impurities. Since being saved, there have been failures, but gratitude for God’s continued love remains. Apostles like Peter also had to repent. The Bible states, “Repent or perish.” Walking away from God has consequences. Salvation is through Jesus Christ. Patience and Trust in God God is faithful and patient, especially during personal struggles. Acknowledges ongoing struggles and the need for God’s patience. Even small sins, like anger, require repentance. God’s patience is evident as He watches over and refines individuals. The goal is for God to see Himself in the individual. The Importance of Forgiveness and Trust Before entering the church, there is a prayer to avoid bringing sin into the sacred space. God is always present during trials, never leaving or forsaking. Trust in God is essential, but many people fall short in this aspect. God spoke the world into existence from nothingness (void). Void means a plague with no life, no existence, nothing. God can do anything in His time. God works in the background, and His plans will come to pass. When impurities arise, ask for forgiveness, and He will remove them. Acknowledges personal imperfection but emphasizes knowing who holds the future (Jesus). Repentance allows God to see Himself in the individual. Sealed up to the day of redemption.