NOT BY MIGHT

Rebuilding of the temple.
1. Two men were release to construct the temple.
  1. Zerubbabel who represented the political sphere.
  2. Joshua who represented the religious sphere.
2. The foundation was laid and then through apathy, indifference, and cares of the world the people of God stopped building for sixteen years.
The prophets of God exhort the people - Haggai 1:1-6.
1. Haggai the prophet asked the people - "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?" (v. 4)
2. This is what he told the people - (v. 4).
  1. You have sown much, and bring in little.
  2. You eat, but do not have enough.
  3. You drink, but you are not filled with drink.
  4. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm.
  5. You earn wages to put into a bag with holes.
3. Zechariah the prophet said in Zechariah 4:6 - "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the Lord of hosts."
  1. This means it is not in your ability to bring to pass the plans that God has for you. You have to have God's help.
  2. What is impossible with man is possible with God.
  3. You don't have to be moved by circumstances, situations, or appearances.
  4. Your trust and dependence must be in God.
The people heard and obeyed the prophet's words Haggai 2:4-9.
1. The people resumed building the temple and God told them to be strong, work, and do not fear.
2. God promised that the glory of the latter temple would be greater than the former one.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Is there a work of the Lord that you started but didn't finish?
Have apathy, indifference, or the cares of the world stopped you?
How are you putting your trust and dependence upon God?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

This week evaluate what you are doing towards the work of the Lord and the house of God. Make a decision to hear and obey what the Spirit of God is saying to you in this day and hour.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE

Zechariah 4:6 - "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the Lord of hosts."