Beauty from the Ashes

I am currently doing Beth Moore's Breaking Free (updated edition) Bible study. Last week's lesson was awesome and I wanted to share it with you! This is from my viewer guide/notes:



God never allows or appoints a fire unless He can bring beauty from the ashes.



First Peter 1:3-9

1. We cannot avoid fiery trials. (John 16:33, Acts 14:22, 1 Peter 4:12)

A. God is much more interested in our callings than our comforts.

B. Even faithful people have tremendous difficulties.

Genesis 18:25~ We need to remain faithful during to give God the glory.



2. The purpose of the refinement is always to make us:

A. Objects of beauty. 1 Peter 1:7 ~ These trial burn out all that is fake in us and leave what is true. Isaiah 61:1~ A crown of beauty instead of ashes.

B. Recipients of reward.~ Compare 1 Peter 1:4 to Isaiah 61:7.

* You are never more beautiful then when you keep the faith when the devil comes for it.

* When we do not give in to our despair, eh says, "Isn't' she gorgeous!"



Allotting a double portion was sometimes a recognition of status (Deut. 21:17). Sometimes it was a compensation of damages (Ex. 22:4, 7, 9)

*We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

***** For all of the shame and all of the trials - we are co-heirs with Christ and we will receive a double portion. (For every trial that the enemy puts your through) - Everything the son receives, we receive.



3. One primary purpose of fiery trials is to surface the dross.

* During our trials he takes the part of us that is unhealthy and brings it to the surface so he can scrape it off.

*Hebrews 12:5:&6, 11-13... Even when we've brought trials on our self; God is still after healing.



4. We cannot often refuse the fire, but we can refuse to be refined.

* Don't go through pain in vain.



5. Sometimes our fiery trials are absolutely necessary to fulfill our callings.

*1 Peter 1:6

* If God allows Satan to put us through a trial; it will be only because God thinks it is necessary four our calling.