Ore-ific Christians
The big questions of today’s Chapel talk by Dr. Paul Tripp:
What in the world is God doing in my relationships?
How should I respond to it?
Dr. Tripp pointed us to 1 Peter 3, where Peter describes our current situation using three words: grief, suffer, trial. Peter uses an example from Metallurgy to illustrate our Christian life. When we come to Christ we are in an “ore” state. Metal in its ore state is not usable, not attractive, full of imperfections that rob it of its strength and beauty. We too have imperfections and God, as our redeemer, is not willing to leave us in that state (as Ore-ific Christians). “God will boil you” was one quote that stuck out to me. Through relationships, one of God’s most effective boiling pots, God is changing us. The difficulties that we experience in our relationships are a sure sign of his redemptive love for us, as he exposes us, drives us to the end of ourselves, and saves us from ourselves through the cross of Christ.
The other thing that stuck out to me was this: God will not shrink his grace to the size of my claustrophobic agenda. His goals for me are far greater and more beautiful than my own goals for myself, and I can rest in his sovereignty. This message is particularly helpful for students trying to figure out the future, and “find their calling.” Trusting that God is the one writing our story, and that he is far more concerned with shaping us and beautifying us and using us than we will ever be is a true comfort!
A few reflection questions:
1. Are you frustrated with God? In what ways is your agenda for your life different from His agenda?
2. Dr. Tripp talked about getting comfortable with the “theology of uncomfortable grace.” What does that mean?
3. What would it look like in your life to begin to see difficulties in relationships as God’s means of grace to you, his refining of you?
Published on 19 Feb 2008 by Christiana Fitzpatrick at 4:32 pm.
No Comments.