The Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions to God's first fruits as to how they are to regard character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process. God compares Himself to the Master Potter; we are the clay models, something we are also literally formed from the dust of the ground, the clay in the potter's hand. In the pottery making process, seven steps, all having spiritual parallels, are recognized: 1.) Choosing the clay, a reminder that we do not choose God, but God chooses us. 2.) Weathering the clay - in order to achieve malleability, the clay must be allowed to mature, which makes it stink from the bacteria which aids its plasticity; similarly, God cannot deal with us unless we realize we, as sinners, stink, reeking with rank carnal nature. 3.) Wedging the clay - the potter must beat and pummel the clay, breaking up the lumps and squashing out the air; similarly, God must chasten us until we repent. 4.) Shaping the clay - requiring using water or oil (both metaphors of God's Holy Spirit); similarly, once the vanity is beaten out of us, God's Spirit makes us more moldable and yielded. 5.) Firing the clay - baking the clay in a kiln up to the right temperature, knowing precisely when to back off; similarly, God will not give us a trial we cannot handle. 6.) Finishing touches - decorating the clay, putting it back into the furnace until glazing occurs; similarly, we experience fiery trials to test our faith, more precious to God than perishable gold. 7.) Finally, the potter judges his artifact critically; similarly, our Master Potter also examines critically, ensuring we are the children of God, when He will have built a family of first fruits.