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  PURIFIED IN GOD'S LOVE
  by Mary Wilder Tileston
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of being purified by God's
love, reflecting the Image of Christ, and being removed from the furnace
of sin.

Topics: "Spiritual Purification", "Sanctification"
Scripture References: Psalm 66:10, Proverbs 17:3, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:3, 1 Peter 1:7

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DESCRIPTION
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Mary Wilder Tileston, through the analogy of refining silver and gold,
emphasizes the meticulous process of purification that God undertakes in
our lives. Just as a refiner carefully watches the metal until it
reflects his image like a mirror, Jesus, as the Refiner, attentively
oversees the purification of our souls on earth. The fire of trials and
challenges separates the pure metal of holiness from the dross of sin
within us, with Jesus eagerly awaiting the moment when the purifying
work is complete. The ultimate goal of this refining process is for the
Image of Christ to be fully reflected in us, signifying the completion
of our purification. Tileston encourages us to lift our eyes amidst the
flames and behold Jesus' compassionate gaze, filled with tender pity and
intense love.

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CONTENT
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I will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is
tried.

ZECHARIAH 13:9

AS the purifying process is carried on, "the refiner watches the
operation, with the greatest earnestness, until the metal has the
appearance of a highly polished mirror, reflecting every object around
it: even the refiner, as he looks upon the mass of metal, may see
himself as in a looking-glass, and thus he can form a very correct
judgment respecting the purity of the metal. When he is satisfied, the
fire is withdrawn, and the metal removed from the furnace." See Jesus,
as the Refiner, watching "with the greatest earnestness" the purifying
of thy soul in the furnace of earth. His hand has lighted the fire which
is now separating the pure metal of holiness from the dross of sin in
thee. His loving eye is ever eagerly watching for the moment when the
purifying work is done. Then, without a moment's delay, He withdraws the
fire, and the purified soul is removed from the furnace. See, again,
when it is that the purification is completed; it is when the Image of
Christ is reflected in us, so that He can see Himself in us as in a
mirror. Raise your eyes, then, amidst the flames, and see the Face of
Jesus watching you with the tender pity and intense interest of His
love.

GEORGE BODY

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/mary-wilder-tileston/purified-in-gods-love/
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