In what ways can the church ensure its "silver" remains pure today?

◄ How can the church keep its silver pure? ►

Silver in the Scriptures

Proverbs 25:4: “Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.”

Why Purity Matters to the Church

• God’s own Word is pure—Psalm 12:6

• Christ seeks a spotless bride—Ephesians 5:25-27

• Unmixed devotion protects gospel witness—Philippians 2:15

Sources of Modern “Dross”

• False teaching (2 Peter 2:1)

• Moral compromise (1 Corinthians 5:6)

• Worldly patterns in worship or leadership (Romans 12:2)

• Unconfessed sin and hypocrisy (Acts 5:1-11)

Practical Steps to Keep the Silver Pure

Sound Doctrine

• Teach the whole counsel of God—Acts 20:27

• Test every message by Scripture—1 John 4:1

• Equip believers to discern truth—Hebrews 5:14

Loving but Firm Accountability

• Practice redemptive church discipline—Matthew 18:15-17

• Restore gently those who repent—Galatians 6:1

• Guard leadership standards—1 Timothy 3:1-7

Persistent Prayer and Dependence on the Spirit

• Seek continual filling—Ephesians 5:18

• Pray for boldness and clarity—Colossians 4:3-4

• Invite the Spirit’s refining fire—Malachi 3:3

Holiness in Daily Life

• Flee youthful passions—2 Timothy 2:22

• Maintain integrity in finances, speech, sexuality—1 Peter 1:15-16

• Cultivate humble confession—1 John 1:9

Christ-Centered Worship

• Exalt God’s glory, not human performance—Psalm 115:1

• Use biblically faithful music and liturgy—Colossians 3:16

• Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with self-examination—1 Corinthians 11:28

Discipleship and Mentoring

• Older believers train the younger—Titus 2:1-8

• Multiply mature leaders—2 Timothy 2:2

• Encourage mutual exhortation—Hebrews 3:13

Personal Take-Aways

• Let God expose hidden dross (Psalm 139:23-24).

• Embrace trials as refining fires (1 Peter 1:6-7).

• Remain usable vessels, “sanctified and useful to the Master” (2 Timothy 2:20-21).