Symbols Of The Holy Spirit (Part 2 Of 2)

Title: Symbols of the Holy Spirit #2 (1)

Text: Zechariah 4:1-6 Luke 11:13

Introduction

1. Last week, we talked about different symbols of the Holy Spirit and how they each give us a little different picture of what the Holy Spirit is like.

A. Wind

B. Breath

C. Dove

D. Fire

E. Water

2. Tonight, I would like to look at 4 more.

Read Text: Zechariah 4:1-6, Luke 11:13

Body

1. OIL

A. In Bible times, Olive trees were very prevalent.

B. And oil had many popular uses.

C. Throughout Scripture, you will find references to oil lamps.

i. Oil lamps were used to provide light.

ii. and olive oil was valuble.

D. In our text, Zechariah has a vision of a golden lampstand that is fed a constant supply of oil by 2 oil trees.

i. Zechariah is prophesying during the time after the Jews returned from exile.

ii. They had started out to rebuild the temple,

a. but there was some opposition...

b. and they grew discouraged and quit.

iii. Zechariah’s 8 prophetic visions were to encourage the people in rebuilding the Temple.

iv. The 5th vision (which we just read) paints a picture of the olive trees giving a constant supply of oil which supernaturally supplies the lamps with oil.

v. Then, Zechariah 4:6 tells us that, ’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

vi. The oil is the Holy Spirit.

vii. And it is the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through them which will enable them to successfully complete this project.

a. it wouldn’t be a success because their armies

b. or their strength

c. or their fighting men

d. But only through the Holy Spirit.

viii. We can relate this to our challenges today.

a. Many times we try to accomplish things on our own...

b. we try to fight our own battles...

c. defeat our addictions...

d. When God is telling us that it is the Oil of the Holy Spirit flowing through us that enables us to be successful

E. Oil is also used in anointing.

i. Throughout Scripture you will see oil used for the purpose of anointing.

a. Psalm 23:5 says, "You anoint my head with oil"

b. Lev 8:10-12 says, "Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him."

c. 1 John 2:20 says, "you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth"

d. Leviticus 10:7 says, "the LORD’s anointing oil is on you"

e. And many more.

ii. We use oil for anointing even now.

a. When we anoint someone for healing...

b. and put oil on them...

c. we recognize that they is no special power in the oil...

d. there is no mystical power in the Pastor’s hand...

e. The Oil represents the Holy Spirit...

f. and it is through HIS power that trust for healing.

F. Oil was also served a medical purpose.

i. In Bible times, oil would be mixed with different herbs and things and used for its healing properties.

a. in the parable of the Good Samaritan,

b. Luke 10:34 tells us that the Good Samaritan poured oil and wine on the poor guy’s wounds.

ii. The Holy Spirit provides cleansing and healing for our wounds.

a. not physical wounds, as it were,

b. but our spiritual wounds...

c. wounds left by sin in our life.

G. Psalm 104:15 says that God gives us "oil to make his face shine"

i. Kay’s Grandmother would talk about a person’s "countenance"

a. In fact, when I asked Kay to marry me, Kay’s Grandmother was very supportive...

b. simply because she said I had a nice countenance.

ii. Sometimes, when I first meet people,

a. before I even talk to them at length about anything...

b. I can sometimes tell that they are a Christian...

c. There is just something about them.

iii. When the Holy Spirit is resident within our life...

a. He causes our face to shine,

b. as if we’ve rubbed oil on it.

2. The Holy Spirit is also considered a Deposit (II Cor.1:22, 5:5, Eph.1:14)

A. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, "the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession--to the praise of his glory."

B. 2 Corinthians 1:22 says, God "put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come"

C. When Joshua and Caleb and the 10 other spies brought back samples of the grapes, figs, and other produce...