Zechariah 4:6
The secret of strength lies not in human might or power, but in the Spirit of God.
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.
Text
"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?
Sermon Outline
- The Awesome Task to Rebuild the Temple
- The Message - Faith
- Wisdom of God's Way
- The Difficulties
- Outside Opposition
- Letters to Artexerses
- Stopped them by force
- Inside Opposition
- Lack of concern by the people (Hag. 1:4)
- The Discouragement
- The task seemed impossible
- Limited help to do it
- Looking at human resources it was impossible
- First consideration when facing a new task?
- God's infinite resources made available to us through the Spirit
- Applying this in various areas
- Building a new sanctuary
- Loved ones who are unsaved
- Needed changes in our own lives
- Needed changes in our society
- The task of getting the gospel out
- God seeks to teach us this vital lesson
- The work of God is not wrought by human resources
- The purpose of the church is to be a light in this dark world
- Suppose the opposite is true
- All glory to God who has wrought His marvelous works in our midst
- How can I get this message over
Key Quotes
“NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT SAYETH THE LORD OF HOSTS.” — Chuck Smith
“Ye shall receive power.” — Chuck Smith
“I'm so glad we're in a church where the subject of Spirit is not a taboo.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We need to focus on getting the Spirit involved rather than relying on human resources in our lives and ministries.
- God has infinite resources for us, and we need to remember that the work of God is not wrought by human resources.
- We should apply faith in various areas of our lives, including building a new sanctuary, loving unsaved loved ones, and making needed changes in our own lives and society.