"Perfecting strength out of Weakness'

Zechariah 4:6 ESV

Then 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 of hosts.

“Perfecting Strength out of Weakness”

Text: Zechariah 4:6-9

Introduction: The necessity of Spiritual power is every believers greatest need. Without the power of God all of our human attempts to please, magnify and glorify Him is vain. The history behind our text today details the visions of God’s purpose for Jerusalem. Zechariah preaches a series of sermons which included eight (8) vision for Jerusalem. This particular vision in our selected text presents a candlestick drawing oil from two olives trees.If symbolizes how the community or people of God were relying on Joshua and Zerubbabel’s leadership. This vision challenged Zerubbabel the governor to depend on God’s Spirit for strength to lay the top stone of the temple. Zerubbabel must internalize the belief that God can make this mountainous problem into a molehill. What is strength vs. weakness?

How does God perfect our strength through our weaknesses? Why is strength needed to assist us in times of weakness?

What is strength vs. weakness?

Strength is the inner resolve or the physical ability to accomplish an endeavor, influence an outcome, or prevail in a conflict or over a circumstance. God is the believers main source of strength. Without Him, we are weak and fragile. When the Apostle Paul dealt with the thorn in his flesh he said; God said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will i rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ sake; for when I am weak then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:9-10. As believers, we cannot afford to become side tracked so that we allow or circumstance to appear bigger or greater than God.

Weakness is defined as a lack of strength, whether physical or spiritual. The Gospels and other New Testament writers often used the word weakness to describe the many illnesses that Jesus healed, however the concept of weakness is seldom used in a physical sense in scripture. As a matter of fact, the theology on the incarnation teaches and sets forth a most important principle for every believer to grasp. It suggest to me that because of the word of God living on the inside of me, the power of God is evidenced times of human weakness because I trust in Him. “For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.” 2 Cor. 13:4

How does God perfect my Strength?

The Hebrew verbs for “be resolute and “be courageous” often express the kind of strength that God wants His people to have in the midst of challenging times. My brothers and my sisters, these are challenging times that we are experiencing and it going to take some resolve and courage to endure. God is the source of strength that we need. When all of the material resources are gone or are not accessible to us, who will you turn to. You will need a source of inner strength and God will perfect strength in us if our relationship with Christ is genuine. He is ever present in us and with us and He empowers us to overcome challenges that seem insurmountable> “Who are you O mountain? No challenge is greater than the God we serve. Because the Word is in me and I live according to His Word. 1 John 2:5 says; “But whoso keeps His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected hereby know we that we are in Him. He perfects my strength, by me abiding in Him and when I abide in Him I can bear much fruits

Why is Strength needed to assist us in times of weakness.

Zerubbabel needed to know where his strength would come from. “Not by might nor power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” This statement constitutes the central and key message of this chapter. These words are directed to Zerubbabel who is charged with leadership in the rebuilding of the temple. There is both courage and admonition suggested to him as to what God wants him to do. In contrast to his human strength, Zerubbabel is informed that God is the source and supplier of all Spiritual strength. He was challenged to believe just as we are challenge to believe that , we can do what God assigns us to do through the power of His Holy Spirit. When Joshua was ready to lead Israel after the death of Moses, God says to him, “have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee where ever you go.” The psalmist declares, “My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen thou me according to thy word.” Then the prophet Isaiah encourages Israel by saying; “Fear not for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” These three references encourages and allows us as believers to see why God’s strength can assist us in times of weakness. They let us know that God has the power and He stands ready to help and strengthen us as we seek to do His will. We can do all things through Christ because He gives us the strength. Why? It is because of our connection and commitment to trust Him. I need His strength so that when I face difficulties I will not fear because the Lord is with me. He suggest in this text that His supply of power is sufficient for any and every situation. Zerubabbel needed to understand just like you and I need to understand that we cannot rely on personal skills, strength, or ingenuity. The word “might” in the text is translated in terms or used in reference to strength of armies, wealth, and influence. However don’t get it twisted, God’s work is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what the symbolism of the oil of the olive trees that supplied the fuel for the lamps. Who and what is fueling your lamp? Is it the Spirit of the living God? We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Hymnologist has it right you’ll.

Closure: Top of the morning to you! Drive safely as you exit the parking lot, and may the peace of God be with you this day and beyond this day. But I need to remind you of the lyrics of the hymn, “I am weak and I need thy strength and power to help me over my weakest hour, Let me thru the darkness thy face to see, Lead me, oh Lord Lead e. Lead me guide me, along the way, For if you lead me I cannot stray, Lord let me walk each day with Thee, lead me oh Lord lead me. Isn’t He Alright? How may of you want the Lord to lead you, to guide you and perfect strength out of our weaknesses? Well if that you today I encourage you to hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand, Yes, build your hopes on things eternal, Hold on to God’s unchanging hand..............