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ZECHARIAH 4:1-6

'HOW THE WORK OF GOD IS DONE"

Intro: The vision of the lampstand and seven lamps with oil trees on
       either side  feeding a continuous supply of oil.

I. THE CHIEF PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD. IS TO GIVE LIGHT, "YE ARE
   THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD."
        A. Two characteristics mark Kingdom of God - Light and life. "God
           is light."
                1. Two characteristics marking Satan's kingdom are death
                   and darkness.
        B. The world about us today marked by moral and spiritual
           darkness.
                1. Suppose in the back country of Ecuador you should
                   cross a tribe with a genetic disorder that would cause
                   all of them to be born  blind. Learned by feeling,
                   smelling and hearing.
                2. The difficulty some have believing is understanding.
        C. How desperately the world needs the light today.

II. HOW ARE WE TO FULFILL OUR PURPOSE?
        A. "Not by might nor by power..."
                1. The first thing we look to is human resources.
                        a. We usually judge a situation by same.
                2. How much might and power being expended by church
                   trying to make the light shine.
                Philosophy: The answer must lie in getting people
                involved.
                1. Committee to study problem.
                        a. The answer lies in getting the Spirit involved.
        B. "By my Spirit saith the Lord."
                1. Vital lesson:
                        a. God has to bring us to place of failure or
                           defeat, to teach us.
                        b. God sometimes strips us of human resources to
                           teach us.
                2. The power of the Spirit.
                        a. God said "I will pour out of My Spirit."
                        b. "But ye shall receive power."
                        c. Too many going on will power.
                3. The infinite resources of the Spirit.
                        a. Two oil trees.
                4. Some refuse to accept Christ because they say they
                   "just can't live  the Christian life."
                        a. Some                 trying.
                        SALVATION  HABITS

III. THE WISDOM OF GOD'S WAY.
        A. Let us suppose the opposite was true.
                1. Think of the boasting.