The Dross Purged
God refines us through trials to make us more valuable and pure, and we should welcome this process.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of trials and tribulations in the life of a believer, likening them to the refining process of silver and gold. He encourages the congregation to embrace the refining fire, understanding that it purges away dross and ultimately leads to a closer relationship with God. Spurgeon warns against the temptation to seek comfort at the expense of spiritual growth, urging believers to welcome God's purifying work in their lives. He reassures that while the fire may be fierce, it is a divine process that refines rather than destroys. The sermon concludes with a prayer for strength to endure trials and a commitment to remain faithful to God through the refining process.
Text
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. (Zechariah 13:9)
Grace transmutes us into precious metal, and then the fire and the furnace follows as a necessary consequence. Do we start at this? Would we sooner be accounted worthless, that we might enjoy repose, like the stones of the field! This would be to choose the viler part -- like Esau, to take the pottage and give up the covenant portion. No, Lord; we will gladly be cast into the furnace rather than be cast out from Thy presence!
The fire only refines; it does not destroy. We are to be brought through the fire, not left in it. The Lord values His people as silver, and therefore He is at pains to purge away their dross. If we are wise, we shall rather welcome the refining process than decline it. Our prayer will be that our alloy may be taken from us rather than that we should be withdrawn from the crucible.
O Lord, Thou triest us indeed! We are ready to melt under the fierceness of the flame. Still, this is Thy way, and Thy way is the best. Sustain us under the trial and complete the process of our purifying, and we will be Thine forever and ever.
Sermon Outline
- The Refining Process
- The Dross Must Be Purged
- The Lord's Way is the Best
- The refining process is necessary for growth
- The Lord sustains us through trials
Key Quotes
“The fire only refines; it does not destroy.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We are to be brought through the fire, not left in it.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O Lord, Thou triest us indeed! We are ready to melt under the fierceness of the flame.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should welcome the refining process and pray that our alloy may be taken from us.
- The Lord sustains us through trials and will complete the process of our purifying.
- We must choose to be refined and made more valuable to God.