- Preacher: Curt Kenney
- Sermon Series: Prepare to Meet Your God
- Sermon Title: Prepare for the Work of the Spirit
- Scripture: Zechariah 4:1-14
SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Zechariah 4:1-14
1. Zechariah 4 brings us to the 5th of 8 visions. In it, the angel shows Zechariah a golden lampstand flanked by two olive trees. This lampstand was like a very elaborate menorah with a bowl attached to it to collect oil from the two olive trees. Instead of the typical menorah with 7 spouts for wicks, this lampstand had 7 lamps with 7 “lips” or spouts, totaling 49 wicks for light. What do you think these items in the vision might represent? (This is a complex vision, so give yourself some grace as you move through the passage to uncover its meaning).
2. Zechariah was given this vision to encourage Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, that God would be faithful in ensuring that the task of rebuilding the temple would be completed. Read verses 6 and 7 of Zechariah 4. Try to put in your own words God’s encouragement to Zerubbabel. By what means will the long, difficult task of building the temple be accomplished? (Explanatory note for leaders: the “mountain” represents opposition to the work of rebuilding the temple. This included practical, political, and spiritual opposition. The “top stone” refers to the capstone, or the final stone to be laid at the top of the temple). What can this teach us about the nature of how the Lord works throughout history and today?
3. Verse 10 refers to those who might have “despised the day of small things.” When they finally look back at the incredible work of God through his people, they will rejoice with shouts of joy. Where else in scripture do we see God moving powerfully in a day of “small things?” Read Matthew 13:31-32. Why does God choose to accomplish his purposes by means of small, seemingly insignificant people, events or circumstances?
4. The two olive trees represent two “anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” Most commentators believe these to be Zerubbabel (a descendent of David, in the line of Jesus) and Joshua the (high priest). They could also represent Haggai and Zechariah. Regardless, they represent an unending and bountiful supply of fresh olive oil to the lampstand which will always remain lit. Taken as a whole, we can understand that this vision is intended to remind Zechariah and God’s people that He will supply an unending source of his own power for life and for the tasks to which he has called us.
5. God will build his church and use us to be a light in the world not by conventional means of might and worldly power, but through his spirit (See verse 6). In what ways have you been struggling to trust in his faithfulness to supply what you need?
6. Jesus was born in humble circumstances, unnoticed by many. His entrance might have appeared to be a “day of small things.” Read John 14:15-18. In what ways have you been looking to your own might or any other source of power for life? What hope does the promise of John 14 hold for us in the coming week?
7. Spend some time in prayer that we will trust in God as the source of life, even in the face of impossible adversity. Pray for one another to be encouraged through the power of the Holy Spirit for the tasks of this week.