Refined
The sermon 'Refined' by John Bunyan teaches that suffering for righteousness' sake refines a person's character, making them more holy and righteous.
John Bunyan emphasizes that suffering for righteousness is a source of happiness and spiritual growth, as it refines believers much like fire refines precious metals. He asserts that affliction enhances one's holiness and character, making them shine brighter in their faith. Bunyan warns that while some may falter under pressure, true righteousness is strengthened through trials, leading to a more profound Christian identity. He encourages believers to embrace their sufferings as a means of becoming more godly and reflective of Christ's character.
Text
"But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled" (I Peter 3:14).
Dost thou suffer for righteousness' sake? why then, thy righteousness is not diminished, but rather increased by thy sufferings. Righteousness thriveth best in affliction, the more afflicted, the more holy man; the more persecuted, the more shining man. Acts 6:15. The prison is the furnace, thy graces are the silver and the gold; wherefore, as the silver and the gold are refined by the fire, and so made more to show their native brightness, so the Christian that hath, and that loveth righteousness, and that suffereth for its sake, is by his sufferings refined and made more righteous, and made more christian, more godly. Zech. 13:9.
Some, indeed, when they come there, prove lead, iron, tin, and at the best, but the dross of silver; and so are fit for nothing, but there to be left and consumed, and to bear the badge, if ever they come from thence, of reprobate silver from the mouth and sentence of their neighbours.
Sermon Outline
- Refining Through Suffering
- The Prison as a Furnace
- The Outcome of Refining
- Graces are refined like silver and gold
- Sufferings make the Christian more righteous
- Some prove to be lead, iron, or tin
- Others are refined and made more righteous
Key Quotes
“Righteousness thriveth best in affliction, the more afflicted, the more holy man; the more persecuted, the more shining man.” — John Bunyan
“The prison is the furnace, thy graces are the silver and the gold; wherefore, as the silver and the gold are refined by the fire, and so made more to show their native brightness, so the Christian that hath, and that loveth righteousness, and that suffereth for its sake, is by his sufferings refined and made more righteous, and made more christian, more godly.” — John Bunyan
Application Points
- When faced with suffering, remember that it can refine your character and make you more holy.
- Your sufferings can increase your righteousness and make you more like Christ.
- Be willing to endure hardships for the sake of righteousness, knowing that it will lead to spiritual growth and refinement.