The Refiner's Fire
E.A. Johnston teaches that God uses the refining fire of trials and pruning in our lives to purify us, making us more Christ-like and useful for His purposes.
In 'The Refiner's Fire,' E.A. Johnston explores the powerful biblical metaphor of God as a silversmith who refines and purifies His people through trials. Drawing from Malachi 3:3, Johnston encourages believers to embrace life's hardships as a divine process that removes impurities and fosters spiritual growth. This devotional sermon offers comfort and hope by reminding listeners that God attentively watches over them, working to make them more Christ-like and fruitful for His kingdom.
Full Transcript
Hello friends, this is manna in the morning, and our devotion today is the refiner's fire. Our scripture passage is found in the book of Malachi in chapter 3 and in verse 3. We see in God's word, 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. Our passage speaks of a silversmith who sits at a fire to purify and refine gold or silver.
When the storms of life hit us unexpectedly, we may suddenly find ourselves in a crisis, but it may turn out that our personal furnace of affliction may end up being our finest hour in light of eternity, for through this trial, all that stands between us and God and hinders our usefulness to him is purged and pruned away. But listen friend, no matter how rough the storm becomes, or how hot the fire burns around us, we may take comfort in knowing that at no time does the silversmith take his eyes off the silver. Remember this, God builds his servants through his divine process of reducing and decreasing.
Gold must be reduced to its purity in the furnace of affliction, a branch must be trimmed back through the pruning process and decreased before it can grow more fruit. If we desire further usefulness to God, then we must submit both to the refiner's fire and the divine pruning knife, and in this process, God's purpose will be done in our lives to make us more useful and more fruitful as we become more Christ-like, as we bring glory to the Father, as we offer the Lord an offering in righteousness. Great God, it is comforting to know that, no matter how hard things get in our lives, that your eye is always upon us, and that you have our best interests at heart.
Make each of us more like Jesus, is my prayer, in the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the refiner's fire metaphor
- Scriptural foundation from Malachi 3:3
- God as the refiner and purifier of His people
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II
- The purpose of trials and afflictions
- How storms in life serve to refine and purify
- God’s constant attention during our trials
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III
- The necessity of reduction and pruning for growth
- Becoming more useful and fruitful for God
- Offering righteousness through Christ-likeness
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IV
- Encouragement to submit to God's refining process
- God’s loving care and purpose in trials
- Closing prayer for Christ-like transformation
Key Quotes
“No matter how rough the storm becomes, or how hot the fire burns around us, we may take comfort in knowing that at no time does the silversmith take his eyes off the silver.” — E.A. Johnston
“God builds his servants through his divine process of reducing and decreasing.” — E.A. Johnston
“If we desire further usefulness to God, then we must submit both to the refiner's fire and the divine pruning knife.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Trust God’s refining process during difficult seasons, knowing He is focused on your growth.
- Submit willingly to God’s pruning and purification to become more fruitful in your spiritual walk.
- Find comfort in God’s constant care and purpose behind every trial you face.