DON'T BLAME THE FLAME 
TEXT: Exodus 32:21-24 
by Mark Hardgrove
INTRODUCTION 
Background: Moses on Mt. Sinai with the LORD. Aaron succumbs to the 
will of the people and fashioned a gold calf from the gold of the 
people. (Why do people give so readily to things that will bring them 
harm?)
They became lewd and drunk in their revelry and worshipped the golden 
calf. What we worship goes a long way toward determining the kind of 
people we are. Worshipping God lifts us, elevates us and brings on 
self-examination, confession and repentance. Worshipping anything or 
anyone else brings us down.
I DON'T BLAME THE FLAME (VV. 22-24) 
When challenged by Moses as to what happened, Aaron does not confess his 
fault in the matter, he blames the flame.
A) First, Aaron blames the flame of social pressure. 
He begins his defense by blaming the people and the pressure they put on 
him.
There are times when compromise and concession are not the right roads 
to travel. There are times when we have been called to stand against 
the currents and the trends of the age. Times when we must make a stand 
and be counted for on the side of righteousness, even if it costs us 
everything. Jim Elliot wrote in his journal shortly before giving his 
life on the mission field; "He is no fool who will lose that which he 
cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
B) Second, Aaron blames the flame of chance and circumstance. 
He implied that he just threw the gold in the fire and this idol came 
out. It just happened!
There are many sad souls who blame their failures on the flames of 
life: Born poor. Raised in home without love. Went to a church where 
no one cared. Bad luck. Bad hair. Bad skin. Stuff just happened.
II THE FLAME CANNOT CAUSE TRUE FAITH TO FAIL 
A) Faith that has endured the flame comes out purer and surer than 
when it went in.
1 Peter 1:6-7 "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if 
need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the 
trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that 
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and 
honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."
B) Daniel 3:16-27 
1. Go into the flame with faith 
2. Walk in the flame with the fourth man (Jesus) 
3. You will come out of the flame a new man/woman
CONCLUSION 
If you have sinned, don't blame the flame. If you have failed, don't 
blame the flame. If you have fallen, don't blame the flame. Instead, 
confess your faults, repent and be restored. Get up, get out of it, and 
get over it by the grace of God.