Sermon Summary — Zechariah: Session 3 Text: Zechariah 3–4Theme: “Not by Might, Nor by Power, but by My Spirit”Speaker: Pastor Matthew Robbins (LWWC) 1. Opening and Ministry Update Pastor opened with thanksgiving: in just six days, 32 new nations began listening to the church’s broadcast — evidence that God’s Word is reaching the world. Prayer emphasized the importance of being “found in the Word, following the Word, and structuring our lives around the Word.” Transitioned into Zechariah 3, explaining the historical background: The people of Israel had returned from Babylonian exile. The prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Nehemiah encouraged them to rebuild the temple and walls of Jerusalem. 2. The Ark and God’s Faithfulness Pastor recalled the history of the Ark of the Covenant, which never changed — from Moses to David to Solomon — symbolizing God’s unchanging nature. He shared conviction from the Holy Spirit: the original Ark still exists and will one day reappear when Israel rebuilds the temple. Israel has reportedly reconstructed priestly garments and temple furnishings, preparing for restoration. Key lesson: God never changes; His covenant stands forever. When the Ark reappears, it will be a global sign of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. 3. Joshua the High Priest and Filthy Garments (Zechariah 3) Vision: Joshua the high priest stands before the angel of the Lord while Satan accuses him. Joshua is clothed in filthy garments, symbolizing human sin and unworthiness — even a priest cannot stand clean before God on his own. God rebukes Satan and commands that Joshua’s filthy garments be removed and replaced with rich robes and a clean turban marked “Holiness to the Lord.” Meaning: God removes iniquity and clothes His people with righteousness. Salvation is not self-earned — “We can’t clean ourselves; the Lord must do it.” Application: Many people say, “I’ll fix myself before I come to God.” Pastor rebuked this thinking: “You don’t clean up to come to Jesus — you come to Jesus to be cleaned up.” 4. The Branch — Jesus Revealed The angel declares: “I am bringing forth My servant, the Branch.” This is a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who removes iniquity “in one day.” That “one day” refers both to: Israel’s restoration (1948 — national prophecy fulfilled in a day). Christ’s crucifixion, where sin was forgiven once for all. Through Christ, believers are clothed in righteousness — the Old Testament points directly to Jesus. 5. The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees (Zechariah 4) Zechariah sees a golden lampstand (menorah) with seven lamps and two olive trees beside it. The angel explains: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, was leading the rebuilding of the temple. Meaning: Human effort cannot accomplish God’s work — it is only through the Holy Spirit. “Some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord.” 6. Watchman Nee and the Broken Vessel Pastor shared insights from Watchman Nee’s “The Release of the Spirit.” The alabaster box story illustrates that the value is not the vessel, but what’s inside. The Holy Spirit must be released through a broken life. Our cleverness or intellect can block the Spirit’s flow — we must depend fully on God’s Word and Spirit. True ministry touches the spirit, not merely the emotions or intellect. Key quote: “If I only tell stories but don’t use the Word of God, I’m touching your soul, not your spirit.” 7. The Capstone and the Mountain God tells Zerubbabel: “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain.” Symbolic of God leveling obstacles through grace and power. “He shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace!’” The capstone (or chief cornerstone) represents Christ, the head and completion of all things.