- Preacher: Steve Constable
- Sermon Series: Prepare to Meet Your God
- Sermon Title: Prepare for the Conqueror
- Scripture: Zechariah 9:1-17
SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
READ Zechariah 8:1-23
- What is your picture of an ideal community?
- In verses 1-3, the Lord expresses His passionate commitment to Jerusalem. He will again live in His holy city (v. 3), and the city will undergo an amazing transformation. This transformation is described in the city’s names. What will the city be called? What do these names say about the Lord’s purposes for His people?
- In verses 4-8, the prophet pictures a city at peace, prospering with joy. What are its characteristics? How does it differ, do you imagine from Jerusalem in the 6th century BC? How does it differ from cities you know today? What hope do you have for your city: is there change that is suitable for us to seek now?
- “But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts” (Zech. 8:11). In verses 10-12, God contrasts His treatment of His people in the days prior to the rebuilding of the temple with His treatment of them following it. How will God’s future dealings with His people be different from His past dealings? In a world with the Church of Jesus but no temple for sacrifices, how do we offer people a place for atonement? How can we do so more clearly and earnestly?
- In verses 18-19, God declares that He will transform the fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months into times of joyful feasting. (We know that the Jewish religious leaders had added 3 fasts to the original Day of Atonement fast.) What are God’s people called to do in response to His announcement?
- In verse 22 we read that “Many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.” Why is it so important that God’s people be reminded that His plans are not just for those who are presently worshiping but also those whom He will call to come? How do you adjust to this new mindset when you come to worship or go to work?
- Let us pray for ourselves as part of God’s city within our own city of Greater Richmond. Pray for Stony Point and all gospel churches that our service, witness and commitments wouldn’t be kept to ourselves, but for the Lord’s sake taken into the city!