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  ZECHARIAH 4:6
  by Chuck Smith
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Summary: The secret of strength lies not in human might or power, but in
the Spirit of God.

Topics: "Faith", "Divine Empowerment"
Scripture References: Isaiah 40:29, Haggai 1:4, Zechariah 4:6, John 15:5, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:31, 1 Corinthians 2:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 3:20, Philippians 4:13

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DESCRIPTION
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Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of relying on God's Spirit rather
than human strength when facing daunting tasks, such as rebuilding the
temple. He discusses the challenges of outside and inside opposition,
highlighting the discouragement that can arise when the task seems
impossible. Smith reminds us that true strength comes not from our own
resources but from the infinite power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages
believers to trust in God's provision for personal and communal
challenges, asserting that the church's mission is to shine as a light
in a dark world. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in focus from human
efforts to divine empowerment.

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CONTENT
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"THE SECRET OF STRENGTH"

Intro: The time of Zechariah's prophesy: The vision of the candlestick.

History and meaning of candlestick.

I. THE AWESOME TASK, TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE.

A. The difficulties.

1. Outside opposition.

a. Letters to Artexerses.

b. Stopped them by force.

2. Inside opposition.

a. Lack of concern by the people (Hag. 1:4..

B. The discouragement.

1. In the natural the task seemed impossible.

2. So much to be done, so little help to do it.

3. Looking at the human resources it was obviously

impossible.

II. THE MESSAGE - FAITH. "NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT

SAYETH THE LORD OF HOSTS."

A. The first consideration when facing new task?

1. Human resources.

2. Limited always.

B. We seldom take into account God's infinite resources made

available to us through the Spirit.

C. Some of the areas where we need to apply this.

1. In the building of our new sanctuary.

2. Loved ones who are unsaved.

a. How can he ever be changed?

b. Use all our clever little tricks.

3. Needed changes in our own lives.

4. Needed changes in our society.

5. The task of getting the gospel out.

D. God seeks to teach us this vital lesson: The work of God is

not wrought by human resources.

1. The purpose of the church is to be a light in this dark

world.

a. A great deal of might and power being expended

by church today trying to get light to shine.

b. Looking for new program.

c. Seeking to get involved.

1. Form a committee to determine how many

committees we'll need to get everyone

involved.

d. We had better be concerned getting the Spirit

involved.

2. God has to sometimes allow us to experience defeat and

failure, to teach us.

a. Discouraged, defeated, ready to give up? "Oh

you're in beautiful shape."

b. God has infinite resources for you.

1. Two olive trees. Oil symbol of Spirit.

2. "Ye shall receive power."

3. I'm so glad we're in a church where

subject of Spirit is not a taboo.

III. WISDOM OF GOD'S WAY.

A. Suppose opposite true.

1. Church conventions would be a bore.

B. All glory to God who has wrought His marvelous works in our

midst.

C. How can I get this message over?

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/zechariah-46/
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