Key Verse

Zechariah 4:6 – ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.

Background

• • Zerubbabel’s Role: Tasked with rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 3:2, 8; Haggai 1:1; 2:23).
• • Prophetic Support: Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people spiritually while Zerubbabel oversaw the work.
• • Core Principle: Success comes through God’s Spirit, not human strength.

Main Theme

Human strength is insufficient for lasting spiritual impact. God’s Spirit empowers believers to accomplish His purposes.

Task:

The call to lead Christ Community Church.

1. No building to meet in.
2. Not chartered
3. Only 12 people to work with.
4. Bi-vocational
5. In School to obtain a degree in Pastoral Ministries
6. Married with three small children

Marks of a Spirit-Filled Life

• Confidence: Calm under pressure, unshaken in chaos, unworried in times of lack.
• Transformation: ‘The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you… and you will be turned into another man.’ (1 Samuel 10:6)
• Fullness: ‘Be filled with the Spirit…’ (Ephesians 5:18)

Results of Spirit-Filling

• Boldness: ‘They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.’ (Acts 4:31)
• Hope and Joy: ‘May the God of hope fill you… through the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13)
• Examples: Stephen (Acts 6:5), Barnabas (Acts 11:24), Disciples (Acts 13:52)

Practical Applications

• Controlled by the Spirit: Yielded will, Spirit-led thoughts and actions (Ephesians 5:18).
• Strength for Life: Produces fruit—love, joy, peace.
• Spiritual Maturity: Renewed mind, full of faith and wisdom (Acts 6:5; 11:24).
• Ongoing Process: Daily dependence on God’s power.
• Manifested in Action: Evident in relationships, work, and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6).
• Joyful Witness: Enables effective testimony (Acts 13:52).

Discussion Questions

1. Why does God emphasize His Spirit over human strength in Zechariah 4:6?
2. How can you cultivate a Spirit-filled life in practical ways?
3. Which mark of a Spirit-filled life challenges you most, and why?
4. How does being Spirit-filled impact your witness to others?
5. What does ‘Not by might nor by power’ look like in your daily decisions?
6. How do you recognize when you are relying on your own strength instead of God’s Spirit?
7. What role does prayer play in staying Spirit-filled?
8. How can the examples of Stephen, Barnabas, and the early disciples inspire your walk with God?
9. In what areas of your life do you need boldness from the Holy Spirit?
10. How can you encourage others to depend on the Spirit rather than their abilities?