FIRE - Part 2 “Refined: The Fire That Purifies”
FIRE ELEVATES WHAT ENDURES
Colossians 1:11-14, 11 “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”
Paul’s letter to the Colossians encourages believers as it did the church in Colossae, that God will strengthen us with His glorious power. Just as God met Daniel and his friends in the fire, and gave them the strength to endure, we can trust that He will do the same for us. Paul also encourages us to be filled with joy and thankfulness to the Father for how He rescued us and transferred us into the Kingdom of Jesus.
Psalm 34:19-20, 19” The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
not one of them is broken!”
David knew that the Lord would come to his rescue. When we read about David’s life, we see that he experienced many fires, and yet he endured and trusted in God to rescue him. He endured and he was elevated. God calls us to have faith like David, to seek His direction when we are in the fire, and to lean on His strength so that we can endure.
Hebrews 10:32-38, 32 “Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37 “For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.
But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.”
The author of Hebrews reminds his original audience of the trials that they faced, the fires the experienced, and how they kept their eyes on the eternal prize. They knew, as we should, that better things were coming that will last forever. These fires that refine us are meant to bring us closer to and reflect more of Jesus as we do God’s will.
THE FIRES THAT WE FIND OURSELVES WALKING THROUGH ARE MEANT TO TEACH US TO FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT ENDURE. JUST AS THE ROPES THAT BOUND DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS WERE BURNED OFF IN THE FURNACE, WE SEE CHAINS THAT BIND US, SUCH AS NEGATIVE THOUGHTS, PAST HURTS, AND IDOLS BURNED UP AS WE ENDUDRE. IT IS THROUGH THE FIRES OF LIFE THAT WE ARE TAUGHT WHAT WE CAN TAKE WITH US INTO ETERNITY.
Revelation 14:12, 12 “This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.”
Through John, God calls believers to endure the fires that come, the persecution, and walk in obedience as we maintain our faith in Jesus. We can only accomplish this through our strength in Jesus, but as we do, we can trust Him to reveal what He has for us to trust Him in next.
PUTTING THIS INTO PRACTICE
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about endurance?
Read Hebrews 11:23-40.
Where do you see endurance in this passage, what character trait can you identify? Reflect on the impact of having this character trait that endures. How can walking in that endurance impact everything that you do?
Which verse or verses stuck with you today? Why? Share your reflections with your small group.
Look up the definition of Endurance.
What definition resonates with the refining of fire? Can you see how the fires we experience are a necessary part of our life journey? Why or why not?
Read Romans 5:3-5. Paul could easily be listed under the definition of endurance. He lived out an enduring faith. Think about his words in this passage. Does this help shed some perspective and maybe even thankfulness for some of the fires that you have experienced?
If you are still battling with the thought of a purifying fire as something to be thankful for, take time to write out a prayer asking God to help change the way you think.
What is Paul trying to impart to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:8-13?
Can you find another passage where Paul speaks to a similar theme?
In your life, have you had a chance to experience either fire elevating what endured, or what survived is what God trusted you with next? Please share with your small group to encourage those who may not have had such an experience yet.
This next week, take some time to journal about any fires that you may be walking through right now and spend some time thanking God for the doors that are going to open, the change that is going to occur and the growth you will experience in your faith as a by-product of your fire.
