Other reasons include
* To know if we are ready to be used
* To know if we deserve to be promoted
(Here, we have Joseph as an example.
From his father’s house to the pit, from the pit to Potiphar’s house, from Potiphar’s house to prison and from prison to palace. Gen 41:41-44)
God allows his children to be afflicted. However, the scripture stated that he always makes a way out of it. 1 Chor 10:13

Affliction can be classified into two different categories according to the book of Proverbs 17:3, Prov 27:21
• The Silver Class: They did not feel too much, the heat of the suffering
• The Gold Class: They encounter severe pain and sorry in their suffering

However, the bible encourages us to endure in whatever temptation or persecution we found ourselves. 1 Cor 10:13, James 1:12, 1 Pet 1:6-7 because God knows about it and its only for a season and that you might be glorified 1 Peter 4:12-13

In all, Jesus said: John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
What a comforting word! Even in your affliction, God will still find a way to comfort you.

James 1:2-3. 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.

C) Preparation: Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
From the text above!
We understand that God is preparing and processing us, just as the goldsmith is refining the gold. Your preparation may take the form of training associated with endurance, and these purposely for his good work.

His purpose for preparing you
• God want to use you as a vessel for his glory on earth to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5,
• That you may bear his name on earth. Act 9:15
• To preach the gospel to others. Mark 16:15-16, 2 Cor 5:20
• To set free those in bandage and deliver the up. Heb 2;15, john 8:34. Act 8:23, Rom 7:14, Luke 4:18.
• That you may shew forth his praises. 1 Peter 2:9-10

For God to use you he must first prepare and certify you through one of his ministers

Who is your mentor? We read about …
The twelve disciples, they were trained by Jesus. Math 4:17-25, 1 Cor 11:24,
Apostle Paul was trained by Barnabas. Act 9:26-30
Timothy was trained ordained by Paul. 1 Timothy 4:17
Elisha was trained by Elijha. 1 King 19:16
Moses was trained by Jethro. Exodus 18:14-26
All these men were prepared for great and extra ordinary purpose. They all endure the pain, suffering, affliction, temptation, and were able to fulfil their ministry

Why did God choose (them) you?
• You are special for God to chose you. 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
• You’re perfectly fitted into his purpose: God knows you can do it that is why he chose you to carry out his mission on earth. Rom 8:28-30
• That you might be his representative on earth. Deuteronomy 7:6-8
• That you may live a holy life. Ephesians 1:3-5
• In other to show his power in you. Romans 9:15-18
• Not because you are perfect but because he loves you. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
• He is our creator and he created us for special purpose: Ephesian 2:10
1 Peter 2:9-10

Did you know that not all the gold that pass-through fire will be able to escape from the furnace? This is because the fire is too hot and unbearable.
Living a sanctify life, enduring affliction and been prepared for the master’s use are not easy but they are compulsory tools needed by men, for God to refined us.
Men like Judas could not make it and hang himself. Act 1:18
Gehazi could not make it and became leprous. 2 King 5:20-27
Demas could not make it and departed into the world. 2 Timothy 4:10
If you are still living a sinful life now {No matter who you are) you need to repent and allow the holy spirit to refine you.

Zech 7:12 12 Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus, great wrath came from the Lord of hosts.

© Oluseyi Falodun
Refiners Fire
+2348062592028
fasepeter@yahoo.com

Topic: Refiners Fire
Text: Malachi 3:2-2-3
Written By: Oluseyi Falodun

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 fullers' soap.”.
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

Sermon:
Refining fire
The word refines, simply mean to remove impurities or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of an industrial process:
It could also mean to bring to a fine or a pure state; free from impurities:
to refine metal, sugar, or petroleum.
Today; we will be seen the Father as the one that refine (i.e., a refiner) and while the Holy Spirit is the fire. Thus, the fire can function in two different ways either to refine or to burn.
Are you ready to be refine?

Before Gold could be pure, it as to pass through different stages i: e
The Goldsmith will have to…...
1) Melt the impure gold in a furnace,
2) Add soda ash to the molten chloride slag, after which
3) The gold will be extracted by electrolysis, and finally
4) Pour the refined gold into bars
The same way God want to purify every man’s heart before we can be associated with him
The process of purification is the same for all believers, however not all will experience same level l stages of purification at the same time and in equal manner.
Stages of Purification includes
A) Sanctification: God require this from all.
This is the level at which every child of God must live a holy life by separating themselves from every work of the flesh. 1 Pet 1:15-16

At this level, God is breaking you into pieces, melting your stony heart, removing and burning the sinful human nature and recouping you. John 16:8, Ezekiel 36:25-27

Is your heart like a stone?
Are you living with your burden of sin?
God want to melt your heart with fire in order that you might be pure.
He wants to refine you, but you have to surrender yourself, Psalm 34:18, 147:3, Math 11:28-30. While the holy spirit will be passing through you, he will be uprooting every seed of sin and burning them with its fire Mathew 12:33-37

For you to be refine:
• You have to empty yourself by allowing the holy spirit (Fire) to pass through
you. Remember, the holy spirit wants to rinse you of sinful characters. John
16:8-9, Eze 36:25-27, Titus 3:4-7,
• You must baptize in the spirit. Mark 1:8, Act 1:5, 11:16
• You must resist to obey the devil’s instruction. Roman 6:12, James 4:7-8
• You must allow yourself to be led by the holy spirit. Psalm 143:0, Rom 8:14,
John 16:13, Ijohn 3:9, 2 Tim 3:16, Gal 5:15, 18
• You must be eager to hear from God

B) Affliction: This is something that makes you suffer and which causes pain or
Harm. Malachi 3:2-3, Isaiah 48:10 -11
"I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering."
For mine own sake, even for my own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another.
The scripture above illustrated that God sometimes refined/purify us through suffering, in other to protect his name.

To be continue.....