1. God’s Refinery But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10)

2. The Refinery Metallic ore was heated in a pot (crucible) to a melting point and the metal was extracted (Job 28:1-2; Psa. 12:6; Isa. 48:10; Jer. 6:29; 9:7; Zech. 13:9) The metal was then heated to a liquid state and the impurities (dross) were skimmed off to bring it to a fine or pure state (Prov. 25:4) Refined metals were more precious and expensive (I Chron. 28:18; 29:4; Rev. 1:15; 3:18) The process of refining illustrates God’s dealings with His people (Psa. 17:3; 26:2; 66:10; 139:2ff; Isa. 1:22-26; 48:10; Jer. 6:27-30; 30; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:3)

3. God’s Refinery The Refiner’s Pot… –Challenging commands (Gen. 22:1ff) –Physical afflictions (Job 23:10) –Judgments (Isa. 48:10; Ezek. 22:17-22) –Controversies (1 Cor. 11:19) –Persecutions (Dan. 11:35; 12:10; Zech. 13:9; 1 Pet. 1:6-7)

4. God’s Refinery The Refiner’s Purpose… –To test our faith (Prov. 17:3; 27:21; 1 Cor. 3:13-15) –To help us comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3-7) –To make heaven attractive (2 Cor. 4:16ff) –To make us learn to trust Him (2 Cor. 12:9) –To make us appreciate our blessings (1 Thess. 5:18) –To remove sin (Jas. 1:12)

5. God’s Refinery The Refiner’s Product… –A true follower of Christ, bearing the true image of Christ (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:10) –A fine product that God will put on display in His own house – heaven (Rev. 21:27; 22:14-15) Will you stand the heat? Will you pass the test?