Zechariah 4-5

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Visions: Golden Lamp Stand, Flying Scroll, Woman in the Basket

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. At the time of the end, Israel will be a witness to the light of the world.

  2. At the time of the end, wickedness will be exposed and judged.

  3. At the time of the end, wickedness will be removed and banished.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember, bigger and more beautiful is not necessarily better.

QUESTIONS

  1. Describe the events in the lives of the Jews just prior and during the time of Zechariah’s visions.

  2. What caused the delay in rebuilding the temple?

  3. In light of this, why were the prophetic visions given to Zechariah?

  4. What was the proper role of the Jews in responding to the visions?

  5. What was the name of the godly governor of the Jews who had returned from captivity and would lead them in finishing the job of rebuilding the temple?

ANSWERS

  1. The Jews had returned from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon, and they had started to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. However the temple still was not finished after a delay of about fifteen years.

  2. The people had become discouraged when they were threatened by the enemies in the surrounding Persian provinces.

  3. In order to encourage and motivate the people to finish the job of rebuilding the house of the Lord.

  4. The people needed to recognize that God was in control and as long as they looked to the Lord, He would enable them to do the work of rebuilding the temple. See Zechariah 4:6.

  5. Zerubbabel

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Review Doctrinal Point #1 describing the lampstand and its supply of oil. This encouraging vision taught that Israel would be restored to their God-given role as a light of testimony to the world. Discuss the high privilege and responsibility of God’s people, the Jews to be this testimony to the world.

  2. The flying scroll vision portrays the way that evil will ultimately be exposed and judged. Through the ages, people seem to be able to hide sin and wickedness, but ultimately when the Lord returns, all wickedness will be exposed and judged. Have you brought your sins before the Lord to receive His forgiveness now?

  3. In the seventh prophetic vision, Zechariah sees two women with wings. What does this mean?

CHALLENGE

  1. “Who has despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10.  Bigger and more beautiful is not necessarily better. It’s the attitude of heart that counts. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6. Are you involved in a small ministry? The question is not size or grandeur. The issue is your priorities and attitude of the heart. Is the Lord in the midst? Is He being honored, or are you looking to human might and power?

KEY VERSES

  • “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6

  • “Who has despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10

  • “I saw a flying scroll…this is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth.” Zechariah 5:2-3

Zechariah, Talks, Old TestamentDeb HarmsZechariah 4-5