Download Zechariah 4:1-14 - The Church Empowered by His Spirit

Sermon 05
Zechariah 4:1-14
THE CHURCH EMPOWERED BY HIS SPIRIT
Model and Mother Church Series: 5 of 11
Zechariah 4:1-14
Zechariah 4:1-14 (NIV)
1
Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened
from sleep.
2
He asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl
at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps.
3
Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its
left.”
4
I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5
He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I replied.
6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by
power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
7
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.
Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’ ”
8
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
9
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also
complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.
10
“Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that
range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of
Zerubbabel?”
11
Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the
lampstand?”
12
Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that
pour out golden oil?”
13
He replied, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I said.
14
So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”
INTRODUCTION
For the past 2 weeks, we preached about the DNA of God’s Church:a) “The Church Without Walls” which means the Church with Unlimited
Potential because God’s favour is upon His people.
b) “The Church With Empowered People” which means God has redeemed His
People and they are empowered to serve Him
Today, we are going to understand from the book of Zechariah the third DNA of
God’s Church – “The Church Empowered by His Spirit”.
A recap of background
The book of Zechariah was written to encourage the people of Israel to rebuild the
house of God and restore their nation, specifically to Zerubbabel governor of
Judah and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. The work of rebuilding the
temple has been delayed for about 17 years since they first started to lay the
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foundations of the temple. The Jews were facing tremendous external oppositions
and internal discouragement to their rebuilding efforts.
In the book of Ezra Chapter 4, the Bible described the kind of threats they were
facing: Externally – their enemies discouraged the people and even wrote an
accusation against them to the King. As a result, there was a decree by King
Artaxerxes from Persia to stop the rebuilding work.
 Internally – the people were discouraged, they went back focusing on their
own business. The people totally forgot about their destiny and their purpose
of returning to Israel from captivity – to rebuild God’s House and the City.
Sometimes, we struggle to build God’s House – His Church. We may struggle due
to external and internal threats, demands, pressures and issues.
Look at our own life in the city of Kuala Lumpur…
 Most of us have to get stuck in the traffic and spend between 8 – 12 hours for
work.
 We have family demands – need to spend time with our family and provide
for our family
 We need to attend classes and do well in our studies
Look at the church internally and externally…
 The church may face threats from various parties
 The people that we are reaching out may not respond
 People may not respond to the call to contribute and serve Him
When we ponder on the above challenges, we may ask ourselves “How can I
succeed in building God’s House when I am still struggling in many areas?”
“How can I succeed with so many limitations in my life?”
Take heart, from this 5th vision that Zechariah had received, God is encouraging
those who are building His House that He will help and His power will be upon
those who build His House.
The 5th out of 8 visions received by Zechariah in a single night (Zechariah 1:7 –
6:8) is about:-.
1. The Horseman Among the Myrtle Trees (Zechariah 1:7-17)
2. The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21)
3. The Man with the Measuring Line (Zechariah 2:1-13)
4. The Cleansing for Joshua, the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10)
5. The Golden Lampstand and Two Olive Tress (Zechariah 4:1-14)
6. The Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4)
7. The Woman in the Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11)
8. The Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8)
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Zechariah 4:1-14
KEY VERSE
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by
power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
God is saying that we will not be successful in building His house if we use our
own might (an army) and power (our strength). Instead, God is encouraging us to
depend on Him and His Spirit to build His Church. In Acts 1:8, God promises us
the Holy Spirit that will provide us the power (‘dunamis’ – from the original word
dynamite) that gives us the ability to complete the work and get the job done.
CONTENTS
Vision 5: The Golden Lampstand and Two Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-14)
Here in the Zechariah 4, this vision about the Gold Lampstand and Two Olive
trees is the fifth vision out of eight visions that Zechariah received in one night.
He saw this ….
Zechariah 4:-2-3 and 11-14 (NIV)
2
He asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl
at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps.
3
Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its
left.”
Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the
lampstand?”
11
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Zechariah 4:1-14
Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that
pour out golden oil?”
13
He replied, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I said.
14
So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”
12
Zechariah asked the angel what are these? The angels explained to him.



The bowl of never ending supply to the lampstand represent the power of
Holy Spirit - the fullness of God’s power through His Spirit.
The two olives trees represent the servants of God - Zerubbabel governor of
Judah and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. In the Old Testamanet
times, it represents two main office – King (Zerubbabel) and Priest (Joshua).
In today’s context, it represents us given the task of the Great Commission –
To build His Church.
The Gold lampstand with seven lamps represent the nation of Israel / the
church that is supposed to be the light-bearer of this world. The lampstand
will only function when there is oil. The oil is being supplied endlessly by the
bowl. Similarly, the church does not possess any light giving power. It only
can light up the world through the oil that is given by God. We need to
remember God’s destiny and purpose of His Church – To shine for Him.
Let us be encourage with what God would like to speak to us this passage:-
1. God’s Power Is Vital for Success (v. 6)
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by
power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
The Lord spoke to Zerubbabel “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit”.
God reminded Zerubbabel of His prescribed method in building His House –
Through His Spirit, not ours.
We need God clearly reminded us that we cannot build His Church using
 Our might – sheer number of people
 Our power – our own strength, intelligence, wealth, abilities etc.
It depends only and entirely on the power of God’s Spirit.
We need to be very careful when we build the Church. Don’t depend on our own
abilities entirely. We are trained to analyse, and come out with workable
recommendations. But in the midst of careful planning and seeking improvement
for the church, we should not rely on our own abilities but allow the enablement
of the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us.
One way to rely of God’s Spirit is through prayer.
Philippians 1:19 (NIV)
19
for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
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Paul said in Philippians 1:19, he will be victorious through the prayer of the
people and the supply of God’s Spirit in his life.
Why do you think God’s prayer is necessary to build His Church? Will the Spirit
stopping working when we stop praying? Of course NOT… God don’t need our
prayers because He can act Sovereignly. But we need to pray because prayer is an
act or expression of our dependence on God. Prayer is telling God we are
dependent on Him and we need Him!
Colossians 1:29 (NLT)
29
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that
works within me.
Application
1. How can we be useful to God despite our severe human limitations?
Everyone has limitations – resources, time, abilities, strength, stamina etc..
Let us stop depending on our abilities, strength and wisdom to build and
grow His Church. Instead, let us engage in prayer and meditation of His
Word to build His Church. Let God’s Spirit inspire and direct us to build His
Church.
2. In our daily lives, let us not struggle with own strength. Instead, let us
struggle and overcome with His Strength which so powerfully works in us
(Colossians 1:29). We can overcome the demand of the city of Kuala
Lumpur and yet succeed in building His Church when we struggle and work
with His Spirit.
2. God’s Power Overcomes Obstacles, When We Cooperate with
Him (v.7-9)
Zechariah 4:7-9 (NIV)
7
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.
Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’ ”
8
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
9
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also
complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.
In our lives and ministry, we will definitely face obstacles. As we have mentioned
earlier, Zerubbabel faced many obstacles. For example, we as servants of God
faced many obstacles too. (Name some of the obstacles you face as a person or
servant of God). We cannot run away from obstacles in ministry.
But…. Remember this is God’s work and we are His ambassadors. He will enable
us to overcome the challenges and complete His work.
In verse 7, God says the mighty mountain (obstacles we faced while building his
Church) will become level ground! Not only that, God will bring out the capstone
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(the final part of construction) and the people will rejoice (God bless it! God bless
it!) for the completion of His work.
In verse 9, God assured the people that Zerubbabel will lead Israel to complete the
work. This will be a confirmation of Zechariah’s prophecies. According to OT
history, the work really completed almost 3 years after this prophecy is
proclaimed. (Ezra 6:15)
Ezra 6:15 (NIV)
15
The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the
reign of King Darius.
Application
1. Let’s have faith in the power of God. With faith, we can move mountains
(Matthew 17:20). God’s power is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20). We
can overcome obstacles and accomplish the things of God far beyond what
we can imagine!
2. Challenge the your church for something specific….
Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as
small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it
will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
3. God’s Power Will Turn Humble Beginnings to Become Great
(v.10)
Zechariah 4:10 (NIV)
10
“Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that
range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of
Zerubbabel?”
In verse 10, God told the people not to despise the initial humble beginnings.
Some Israelites (especially the older people) was sad with the rebuilding effort
because the second temple is not as great as the first one built by King Solomon.
(Ref: 3:12 and Haggai 2:3-4)
Ezra 3:12 (NIV)
12
But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former
temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many
others shouted for joy.
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Haggai 2:3–4 (NIV)
3
‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you
now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? 4 But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares
the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of
the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD
Almighty.
God honoured the sincerity and effort of Zerubbabel and the people. He said in
Haggai 2:9 – “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the
former house”
Haggai 2:9 (NIV)
9
‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says
the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
Application
1. Don’t despise the things that you are doing now. Your sincere effort will not
grow in vain. List some of the small things that can grow influential:- The sheep that you are shepherding now
- The children that you are ministering to right now may be a great future leader!
- The small LG that you are pioneering now may change many lives! Etc…
2. Let’s start small, have fath in God and be diligent. Surely, with God’s favour,
what we are building for Him will become great and be favoured by Him.
CONCLUSION
The first DNA or blueprint is “Church Without Walls” – The Church with
unlimited potential.
The second DNA or blueprint that God would like to encourage us is “The Church
With Empowered People”.
Today, God wants to encourage us with the third DNA or blueprint “The Church
Empowered by His Spirit”.
Let us trust in God’s power to achieve great things for God. Let’s remove every
obstacles and negative mindset that hinders us from building His Church!
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Zechariah 4:1-14
BIBLE COMMENTARIES
THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible
Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Zec 4:1–14). Wheaton,
IL: Victor Books.
THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND AND TWO OLIVE TRESS (ZECHARIAH 4:1-14)
4:1-4. The interpreting angel aroused Zechariah from … sleep and directed
his attention (by a question; cf. vv. 5, 13; 5:2) to a solid gold lampstand, the
exact appearance of which is subject to controversy. Appearing in a context of
priestly temple ministry (cf. the previous vision), this lampstand was apparently
similar to the lampstand placed in Israel’s tabernacle (cf. Ex. 25:31-40), and the
10 lampstands of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:49). However, the tabernacle
lampstand had to be filled with oil by the priests, but this lampstand was
automatically filled with an endless supply of oil without human agency. This is
indicated by three significant and peculiar features: (a) a bowl for storing oil was
suspended over the lampstand (Zech. 4:2); (b) oil was transported by gravity from
the bowl through seven channels or conduits to each of the seven lights of the
lampstand, apparently 49 conduits in all (v. 2); and (c) the lampstand was flanked
by two olive trees which were tapped by “two gold pipes” through which “golden
oil” flowed constantly into the bowl (vv. 3, 11-12). (Baldwin gives an alternate
description of the construction of this lampstand; Zechariah, pp. 119-20.)
Zechariah’s inquiry What are these? (cf. 1:9, 19; 4:11; 6:4; also cf. 5:6) possibly
referred to the “seven lights” (i.e., lamps). (See comments on 4:10b.) But, more
likely, “these” referred to the two olive trees. The prophet’s question was
seemingly put off by the angel and repeated later by Zechariah (v. 12), when again
the prophet received a delayed answer. The two delays by the angel focused
attention on the answer which was finally given in verse 14.
b.
The significance of Zerubbabel (4:5-10a)
4:5-10a. Before identifying the “two olive trees” (v. 3) with “the two who are
anointed” (v. 14), the angel prepared for this conclusion by relating the vision to
Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah (cf. Hag. 1:1, 12, 14; 2:21). The angel
suggested that he would finish the temple (Zech. 4:9) through the abundant
supply of the Spirit of God. Thus the oil for the lamp is associated with the Holy
Spirit. By His enabling the temple would be completed (v. 6) and every obstacle
(mighty mountain, v. 7) to rebuilding would be removed. Military strength
(might) and human manpower (power) could not accomplish the task, but Spiritempowered workers under the direction and leadership of Zerubbabel would do
so.
The LORD explained to Zechariah (vv. 8-10) that Zerubbabel’s finishing the
restoration temple would drive the critics to silence for they would know God had
sent the prophet and the reconstructionists (God bless it! [v. 7] Men will rejoice
[v. 10]). (Because Joshua the high priest was the subject of the preceding vision,
no specific mention is made of him in this vision, but the two visions go together).
As Zerubbabel … laid the foundation of this temple (v. 9; i.e., he began the
work of rebuilding on the ancient foundations), so he would also complete it,
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epitomized by his laying the capstone (v. 7). The word translated plumb line (v.
10) is disputed and possibly refers to this final crowning stone (cf. Baldwin,
Zechariah, pp. 122-3). Others say it symbolizes Zerubbabel’s supervising the
rebuilding project. Those who despised the day of small things may have been
older Jews who thought this temple was insignificant compared with the former
temple of preexilic times (cf. Ezra 3:12-13; Hag. 2:3).
c. The interpretation of the two olive trees (4:10b-14)
4:10b-14. The words about the seven being the eyes of the LORD are possibly
a delayed answer to Zechariah’s question in verse 4. Like “eyes” the seven lights
(lamps, v. 2) symbolize God’s worldwide scrutiny, for nothing is hidden from
Him. Others understand the “seven” to refer back to the seven eyes in the previous
vision (3:9).
The two olive branches and two gold pipes are mentioned for the first time in
the vision in 4:12. The two branches with olives poured their oil into the gold
pipes, which flowed into the bowl and then through the 49 channels to the seven
lamps. The interpreting angel removed Zechariah’s confusion regarding the two
olive trees (vv. 3, 11) by indicating that their two oil-supplying branches
represent the two who are anointed to serve the LORD of all the earth (v. 14).
The branches refer to the anointing of priests and kings, with particular allusion to
Joshua and Zerubbabel who typify the Messiah as both Priest and King. The
lampstand, then, seems to represent Israel as a light to the nations (cf. Isa. 42:6;
49:6), potentially in Zechariah’s time, but will be actually so during the millennial
reign of Christ. Another fulfillment, partial at least, of Zechariah 4:11-14 is found
in the two witnesses in the future Tribulation period (Rev. 11:3-6, esp. v. 4).
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LG Discussion
Sermon 05
Zechariah 4:1-14
RECAP OF SERMON (Zechariah 4:1-14 - The Church Empowered by His
Spirit)
3 Key Points from the Sermon
1.
God’s Power Is Vital for Success (v. 6)
The Lord spoke to Zerubbabel “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit”. God reminded
Zerubbabel of His prescribed method in building His House – Through His Spirit, not ours.
We need God clearly reminded us that we cannot build His Church using
• Our might – sheer number of people
• Our power – our own strength, intelligence, wealth, abilities etc.
It depends only and entirely on the power of God’s Spirit.
2.
God’s Power Overcomes Obstacles, When We Cooperate with Him
(v.7-9)
In verse 7, God says the mighty mountain (obstacles we faced while building his Church) will
become level ground! Not only that, God will bring out the capstone (the final part of
construction) and the people will rejoice (God bless it! God bless it!) for the completion of
His work.
In verse 9, God assured the people that Zerubbabel will lead Israel to complete the work. This
will be a confirmation of Zechariah’s prophecies. According to OT history, the work really
completed almost 3 years after this prophecy is proclaimed. (Ezra 6:15)
3.
God’s Power Will Turn Humble Beginnings to Become Great (v.10)
In verse 10, God told the people not to despise the initial humble beginnings. Some Israelites
(especially the older people) was sad with the rebuilding effort because the second temple is
not as great as the first one built by King Solomon. (Ref: 3:12 and Haggai 2:3-4)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.
Share some of your limitations that limit you potential in your life and ministry. Do you
trust God will empower you and help you to succeed despite of these limitations?
2.
Share some of your obstacles in life and ministry. How do you believe God will help you
to overcome these obstacles?
3.
What are some of your humble beginnings? Share how did God trun it to become great.
CONCLUSION
End the LG by encouraging your LG to rely on God’s power to be victorious in our live and
ministry!
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