Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power… 1. It is with the spiritual nature of man the Church has to do. (1) Her purpose is not political. A great and important factor she certainly is in all true political progress; but she was not instituted to promote either Republicanism or Imperialism. (2) Her purpose is not to effect great social and moral reforms. These reforms are certain results of her progress. Wherever she becomes a power the character of the people is purified, the tone of life is raised. (3) Her purpose is not only to secure the world's belief in her creed. 2. In man's spiritual nature she has to effect the most radical changes — the greatest transformations. Conversion must be wrought. There must be a change in the spirit's condition, the spirit's relations, and the spirit's aspirations.The accomplishment of this work requites a special power, a spiritual power. 1. It cannot be done by the might and power of the sword. Or — 2. By the power of law. "You cannot make men moral by acts of parliament." Or 3. By the might and power of reason. Your premises may be admitted, your arguments conclusive, and your pulpits distinguished for logical force, but men may remain as stones, and our churches as deserts. Or — 4. By the might and power of sympathy. Sympathy can touch the heart as no other human force van. But sympathy fails to convert and renew. The essential power is in the Spirit of the Lord of hosts only. 1. This Spirit is greater than the forces in opposition. (1) Greater than the human spirit which has to be won. (2) Greater than the spirit of evil, united with the human spirit, that has to be conquered. 2. This Spirit infuses a new life. He creates. 3. This Spirit effects the change in perfect harmony with man's freedom. The Church is in the greatest power when she is most filled with the Holy Spirit. Filled with the Spirit, she can be confident of success, although her members be few and the opposing forces strong. The Church's truest friends are those who are the most spiritual, and who most earnestly seek the Spirit's power in her. (Rombeth.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. |
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