Not By Power, Not By Might, But By My Spirit

Not by Power, Not by Might, but By My Spirit

Study Text: Zechariah 4:6 - 9

Introduction:

- This divine proclamation to Zerubbabel came at a time of frustration and seeming impossibility. The rebuilding of the temple had been halted due to opposition and human limitation.

- God reminded Zerubbabel that divine purposes are not accomplished through human ability or physical strength, but through the inexhaustible power of the Holy Spirit.

- Today, many are trying to fulfill divine assignments by human wisdom, strength, or influence, but God’s work demands God’s Spirit. What might, education, connections, or money cannot do, the Spirit can do effortlessly.

- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1. The Limitations of the Human Strength

2. The Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

3. The Revelations from the Holy Scriptures

1. The Limitations of the Human Strength

- Human effort has its place, but it is grossly limited in spiritual matters.

- Psalm 33:16–17: “There is no king saved by the multitude of an host.”

- No matter the physical or intellectual energy we invest, it cannot produce spiritual results without divine enablement.

- Human brilliance cannot replace divine inspiration. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

- Zerubbabel could not complete the temple by architectural expertise because it required the wind of the Spirit.

- When we rely on self, we end up drained, discouraged, and defeated. By strength shall no man prevail.

- Abraham’s attempt through Hagar produced Ishmael, the product of fleshly effort, not spiritual promise.

- True success in God’s kingdom begins where human strength ends. So every believer needs to pray regularly for God to deliver him from self-confidence and be filled with Spirit-confidence.

2. The Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

- Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what human effort cannot.

- Zerubbabel faced a mountain; the Spirit made it a plain (Zechariah 4:7).

- The Spirit enlightens for direction. Isaiah 30:21: “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee…”

- The Holy Spirit is our divine compass, guiding us in decisions, timing, and strategy.

- Without the Spirit’s direction, effort becomes motion without progress.

- The Spirit fuels endurance when challenges arise. Romans 8:26: “The Spirit helps our infirmities…”

- Where the flesh gives up, the Spirit gives strength to continue until completion.

- The Holy Spirit can empower, enlighten, and energize the believer for supernatural accomplishments.

3. The Revelations from the Holy Scriptures

A. The Spirit Brings Divine Completion

Philippians 1:6: “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it…”

- Zerubbabel laid the foundation, and the same Spirit ensured he finished it (Zechariah 4:9).

- The Spirit never starts what He cannot finish.

B. The Spirit Confirms Divine Glory

- When the Spirit works, the glory goes to God alone. 1 Corinthians 2:9–10: What eyes have not seen is revealed by the Spirit.

- The temple was completed, and it became a testimony of divine intervention.

C. The Spirit Cultivates Divine Testimony

- The surrounding nations saw and confessed, “The LORD has done this!”

- When the Spirit moves, the results are undeniable and the testimony are uncontainable.

- Every mountain that mocked you will bow before the Holy Spirit’s power.

- The Spirit of the Living God will perfect all that concerns you and make your life a testimony of His power.

Conclusion:

- The Spirit is not a luxury, He is a necessity. Nothing lasting can be built, no victory can be sustained, no destiny can be fulfilled outside His operation.

- When the Spirit takes over, mountains melt, valleys rise, and impossibilities turn into testimonies.