Vessels for the Finer

Today’s Verse:

Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. ~Proverbs 25:4

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Precious metals are commodities that are invaluable as currency, jewelry, containers, and other practical uses. The two most common and prized metals that have been cherished and possessed have been gold and silver. Gold and silver that are entirely pure are prized as the highest and most valuable to own. When either of these metals is mined as an ore, they most likely contain fragments of dirt or other non-useful elements that render the silver or gold less valuable, or worse, of no value. Solomon gives us a Proverb of immense value concerning the purest and choicest type of silver. This morning, let us consider the importance of vessels unto honor.

We see the refining PRINCIPLE.

The refining principle is the bringing of a metal to a pure or fine state. It is the goal of making this metal free of all dross or impurities. It is making this metal the purest form of its kind. There is no gold or silver in its purest state unless it has gone through a refining process. When an object is touted as being 100% gold or silver, it is telling the admirer or prospective buyer that it has gone through a refining process. The gold or silver is of much more value and is more precious after it has been refined by fire. Refining brings out impurities that have been hidden deep within the metal and makes it visible for removal. Refining is a picture of fiery trials that are necessary to purify our lives as Christians. It is the only means by which impurities deep within the life can be brought to the surface and removed.

We see the refining PROCESS.

The refining process involves fire of very intense heat. I read that silver will melt at 1,700 or 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. A household fire reaches a temperature of 1,100°F. Needless to say, 1,700°F is very hot. When silver is being refined, it will be placed in a crucible or container that will not melt at that intense heat. The silver is placed in the middle where the greatest amount of heat will occur. As the silver melts down, the dross or impurities rise to the surface. The refiner will use a tool with a long handle to extract or scoop out the dross. After all the dross has been removed, the melted silver is either poured into a mold or allowed to cool down. The silver has now been purified of its impurities. This is such a vivid picture of how God must purge and purify our lives in order for us to have value and be used of Him. Think of Daniel’s three friends who were cast into a fiery furnace. The fire revealed they were fireproof Christians. When Nebuchadnezzar looked inside that furnace, he saw a fourth Man walking with them in the midst of the fire: that was Jesus! When the three men came out, the fire had not hurt them, and neither was the smell of fire on them. Fire brings out both the worst and the best in us so that we can be used of God.

We see the refining PRODUCT.

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.” Paul put it this way in 2 Tim. 2:20-21, “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” The best silver has been through the refining fire, and all the dross has been removed. It is suitable as a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use.

God wants us to be vessels for the finer. Don’t let the dross of sin get buried in your life. Get it out before God brings it to the fire.

Have an honorable God Morning!

#Fire #Proverbs #Purging #Refining