051. ZEC 4:6. THE SPIRIT THE ONLY SOURCE OF SUCCESS
Zec_4:6. The Spirit the Only Source of Success
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts."’97Zec_4:6.
The Jews were now engaged in repairing the walls of their city, and rebuilding the temple of the Lord. Their enemies were numerous’97difficulties almost insurmountable; consequently their prospects were often gloomy. The prophet was directed to encourage them; and he did this by assuring them that their undertaking would certainly succeed, for it was not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts. These remarks are equally applicable to the erection of Christ’s church on earth; and to this end we shall consider the sentiment of the text on the present occasion.
Observe, then, I. On what Christ’s Cause does not depend’97not on human might or power. II. On what it does depend’97the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts. And, III. The Advantages arising from this Arrangement. Notice, then,
I. On what Christ’s Cause does not depend.
Not on human might or power. By Christ’s cause, we mean the cause of his holy and redeemed church. That cause of truth, and piety, and love, which is destined to be established throughout the habitable earth. Observe, then, This cause is not by might nor power, as it does not depend,
1. On human patronage or authority.
Human institutions require these’97cannot dispense with them. But Christ’s cause consults not the wishes of monarchs, seeks not the smiles and favors of the great and noble of the earth, and never prospered so well as when the princes and rulers of the world were combined against it. No sooner did the world smile upon this cause, and give it its ungodly support, than its beauty, spirituality, and power became seriously impaired. The storms of persecution never did half so much mischief to true religion, as the secularizing spirit introduced by Constantine, and afterwards extended by those identified with the Roman hierarchy. Christ’s cause does not depend,
2. On human force, or the power of arms.
These are necessary in the defence of earthly kingdoms, but quite unlawful in the support of the kingdom of Christ. See Christ’s address to Peter, Mat_26:51. Human force and arms may terrify, but will never convert; may compel men to drag their bodies into the outer court, but will never bring a sinner into the holiest of all. They make hypocrites and tinsel professors, but they never force men to possess the genuine spirit of true Christianity. Neither does Christ’s cause depend,
3. On the carnal policy or wisdom of man.
This is ever seen in the courts and cabinets of earthly princes. History of nations full of it. This is the base of the throne of Antichrist. But Christ’s cause is in separably connected with truth and simplicity. Truth is her watchword’97her defence is truth’97and her success is only promoted by an extension of truth. Neither does it depend,
4. On the riches, learning, or eloquence of her friends.
All these, when sanctified, are calculated to be useful; but they are not essential. See the selection Christ made; he did not call the rulers of the earth, nor yet Jewish Rabbies, to be the ministers of his kingdom, but he selected fishermen and tax-gathers; men without learning, or riches, or influence. And these, with a message hateful to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks, turned men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. But how did they do it? Because it was "not by might," &c. Observe, then,
II. The Cause of Christ depends on the Spirit of God.
"But by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts."
1. The Spirit qualifies the instruments employed.
"Who is sufficient for these things?" &c. Ministerial sufficiency is of God Moses and Aaron, Joshua, Caleb, Samson, and Jephtha were all imbued with it. So Isaiah’97so the apostles waited for the Spirit in Jerusalem’97so all gospel ministers are only rightly qualified in this way. The knowledge, zeal, and power of communication requisite, proceed only from the Spirit of God; 1Co_12:8, &c.
2. The Spirit makes the means effectual.
The gospel is a sword, but the Spirit wields it’97hammer, but the Spirit gives it force. It is powerful to enlighten’97to convince’97to subdue’97to regenerate’97to sanctify; but none of these things will be effected by the word alone. The gospel is "the power of God to salvation." "Our weapons are only mighty through God," &c. "Paul may plant," &c. Same remarks apply to prayer, praise, and every gospel ordinance and institution; which are all nothing without the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts; 1Co_3:7, &c. Notice then,
III. The Advantages arising from this Arrangement.
1. It keeps the Church from despondency.
"God is in the midst of her," &c.; Psa_46:1-8.
2. It ensures success.
God’s work must be done’97his plans cannot fail’97all he has said shall be accomplished; Dan_4:34.
3. It gives all the glory to God.
None can glory in his presence. His wisdom contrived, his arm executed, and his Spirit effects the complete salvation of his people. Who is Paul, or Cephas, or Apollos? Who are ministers or friends 1 All worms of the earth; but the Saviour of the church is the Lord, by whom the heavens were created. All the angels and saints in heaven can sing, "Not unto us, but to thy name, O God, be all the glory."
Application
Observe, 1. The text does not exclude human instrumentality. God works by the use of means, in grace as well as in nature. These instruments are to be duly appreciated, and highly honored for their work’s sake. 2. It shows the necessity of divine influence. How necessary that we feel its importance, and seek it by fervent and constant prayer. 3. The triumph of the church is certain. It has already survived the cruelty of Pharaoh, the combination of the Canaanitish kings’97the fiery ordeal of a Herod, and of a Nero’97the malignant purposes of a Julian, and the blood-thirsty attacks of French infidelity; and most assuredly, the truth is mighty above all things, and shall ultimately prevail; for its basis is laid in the immutable omnipotence of God.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS