Zechariah 7-8

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    20                                                     Passage:    Zechariah 7-8

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Fast or Feast; a time to mourn or listen (Zechariah 7) 1. People of Bethel ask priests and prophets: “should we mourn and fast” (7:1-3) 2. Word of the Lord to Zechariah asking people – When you fasted were you doing it for yourselves (7:4-6) 3. Not the words of earlier prophets when at rest and prosperous (7:7) 4. Word of the Lord to Zechariah: administer justice, show mercy and compassion, don’t oppress or plot evil (7:8-10) 5. People refused to pay attention to the earlier prophets; Lord’s anger resulted (7:11-12) 6. Result: when the Lord called, they didn’t listen; they called the Lord, but didn’t listen, and scattered them, and the land became desolate (7:13-14)

Promise of Good to Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 8:1-13) 1. Lord came to Zechariah saying: He is jealous for Zion (8:1-2) 2. Lord will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem (8:3) 3. The Old will sit in streets of Jerusalem and streets filled with children playing; a marvelous time (8:4-6) 4. Lord will save people from countries east and west and be faithful and righteous to them as their God (8:7-8) 5. Be strong so that the temple will be built; the Lord won’t deal with people as in the past (8:9-11) 6. Seeds will grow, vine yield fruit, ground produce crops and heaven’s dew; God will save, and you’ll be a blessing. No fear and hands be strong. (8:12-13)

God’s Presence Time of Joyful Feasting (Zechariah 8:14-23) 1. God’s anger determined the fate of ancestors and determined good; don’t be afraid (8:14-15) 2. Things the Lord wants people to do (8:16-17) a. Speak the truth, b. Render sound and true judgment, c. Don’t plot evil against each other, d. Don’t love to swear falsely 3. Fasts of 4th, 5th and 7th and 10th to become joyful, glad occasions and happy festivals… Love truth and peace (8:18-19) 4. Many people will come to seek the Lord and to entreat him (8:20-22) 5. People from all languages and nations will take hold of one by the hem of robe saying: “let us go with you, we heard God is with you” (8:23)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Fast or Feast; Time to mourn or listen	Zechariah 7
Promise of Good to Jerusalem and Judah	Zechariah 8:1-13
God’s Presence Time of Joyful Feasting	Zechariah 8:14-23

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

God’s Word, no mourning, promise, and presence bring joyful feasting

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that there is no fear in following the Lord, speaking truth, judging rightly, caring for each other honestly.

Application Questions

How are you loving the Lord by honoring your neighbor?

What truth about God’s jealousy for you is most impactful?

How do you celebrate joyously all that God is doing for you?  Is your joy attractive to others?

Principles to Remember           

Focus brings truth

God’s promises are true

Joy in the Lord is attractive

Characteristic of God

Jealous for us

Theme

God’s jealousy for us and is cause for righteous living, loving our neighbor, remembering His promises, and celebrating His goodness.

 

 

Zechariah 5-6

Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    19                                                     Passage:    Zechariah 5-6

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Law and Judgment (Zechariah 5) 1. Flying scroll before Zechariah with angel asking what do you see (5:1-2) 2. Curse going out over the land according to one side (5:3) a. Thief will be banished according to other side (5:3b) b. All who swear falsely will be banished (5:3c) 3. Judgment of sin: enter house of thief, swear falsely; remain in house destroy completely (5:4) 4.Angel speaking “Look and see what appearing”; it’s a basket the iniquity of people throughout the land (5-11) a. Lead cover of basket raised with a woman; saying it is wickedness back in basket. (7-8) b. Two women with wind in wings lifted basket between heaven and earth. (9) c. Where are they taking it? Babylonia to house built for it. When house ready basket will be set in its place. (10-11)

Judgment of Nations (Zechariah 6:1-8) 1. Four chariots coming out between two mountains of bronze (6:1-3) a. Chariot had red, black, white and dapple horses all were powerful (6:2-3) b. Zechariah ask what are these (6:4) 2. Angel answered these are the four spirits of heaven; black – north, white – west, dapple - south (6:5,6) 3. Horses went out straining going throughout the earth with instructions to do so (6:7) 4. Angel call to Zechariah “look those going to the north have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north” (6:8)

Crowning of Royal Priest and Temple built (Zechariah 6:9-15) 1. Word of Lord to Zechariah to take silver and gold from returning exiles from Babylon and take it to Josiah son of Zephaniah (6:9-10) 2. Take silver and gold and make a crown and set on head of Joshua the son of Jozadak (6:11) 3. Tell Joshua this is what the Lord Almighty says: (6:12-13) a. Here is a man whose name is Branch b. He will branch out from this place and build a temple to the Lord c. It is he who will build the temple and he will be clothed in majesty, will sit and rule on this throne d. He will be a priest on throne e. There will be harmony between two 4. Crown will be given to sons of Zephaniah as memorial of temple of the Lord (6:14) 5.Help from far away help build temple and you’ll know Lord sent me to you. 6:15a) 6. It will happen if you diligently obey Lord (6:15b)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Law and Judgment	Zechariah 5
Judgment of Nations	Zechariah 6:1-8
Crowning of Royal Priest and Temple built	Zechariah 6:9-15

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Zechariah’s nations judgment vision; crowning of Priest named Branch

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God recognizes sin and will judge righteously; diligent obedience our rewarded

Application Questions

How do you fall short of God’s will in your life? What things do you want to take to the Lord in prayer?

Grace comes from the Lord, For what are you most thankful to God for in your life?

Where do you need help or direction in diligently following the Lord?

Principles to Remember           

Sin’s consequences are real

Judgment specific is not random

Branch is our priest and king

Characteristic of God

Plans are perfect

Theme

Zechariah sees God’s judgment of evil, encourage temple completion and point forward to the majestic branch

 

Zechariah 1:7-4:14

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    18                                                     Passage:    Zechariah 1:7-4:14

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Vision and Words of a Jealous God (Zechariah 1:7-21) 1. Vision of man mounted on red horse (7-8) 2. Zechariah asks angel of Lord “What are these?” (9) a. Lord sent to go throughout the earth (10) b. Findings reported “world at rest and peace” (11) 3.Angel of Lord speaks and asks how long will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and Judah with the Lord speaking kind and comforting words to angel (12-13) 4. Angel says to Zechariah, proclaim the word He is jealous for Jerusalem and Zion and angry with nations that went to far with punishment (14-15) 5. Lord says “He will return with mercy with house rebuilt and prosperity will return (16-17) 6. Four horns appear representing those that scattered Judah with craftsmen to throw down horns who were against Judah to scatter its people (18-21)

A call to “Come back” to a life with God (Zechariah 2) 1. Man with measuring line asked where are you going with a response to measure Jerusalem (2:1-2) 2. Two angels met measurer that city will be without walls; He will be protection and its glory (2:3-5) 3. Call to come back, I’ll avenge and you’ll know that Lord Almighty sent the angel (2:6-9) 4. A call to shout and be glad because Lord is coming and will live among His people (10-13) a. He will live among the people and know Lord sent b. Lord will inherit Judah and choose Jerusalem c. Be still, mankind because He is roused from His holy dwelling

Spirit Led Anointed Leadership (Zechariah 3-4) Joshua – The High Priest 1. Joshua as Satan ready to accuse him; Lord rebukes Satan anointing Joshua (3:1-2) 2. Angel instructs Joshua to take off dirty clothes; sin removed and clean turban given with angel standing by (3:3-5) 3. Angel of Lord gives charge to Joshua to walk in obedience and keep requirements; then you’ll govern the Lord’s house (3:6-7) 4. Things to come “a stone” will remove sin in a single day and invite neighbors to sit under your vine and fig tree (3:8-10) Zerubbabel – the Governor 5. Zechariah awakes to from sleep to see gold lampstand with 7 lamps and channels to lamps with a request for the meaning (4:1-5) 6. Word to Zerubbabel “not by power but by Spirit” humble leadership blessed capstone. (4:6-7) 7. Zerubbabel will complete temple (4:8-10) 8. Olive trees symbolizes anointed leadership (11-14)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Vision and Words of a Jealous God	Zechariah 1:7-21
A call to “Come back” to a life with God	Zechariah 2
Spirit Led Anointed Leadership	Zechariah 3-4

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Zechariah visions - prosperity, encouragement, God’s protective presence and anointed leadership

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God recognizes our need; His Spirit encourages faithful humble obedience

Application Questions

In what ways do you need to ask God for protection and mercy?

How does your situation not measure up? Where is God’s mercy needed today?

For what do you need God’s anointing to lead you humbly in His Spirit?

Principles to Remember           

Our Rest and Peace is in the Lord

God is our hedge of protection

God provides our answer for sin

Characteristic of God

Anointing Spirit

Theme

Zechariah is used to encourage the people of Jerusalem and Judah to put sin behind and follow humble anointed leadership.

Zechariah 1:1-6

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    17                                                     Passage:    Zechariah 1:1-6

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Return to Me & I’ll Return to You (Zechariah 1:1-3)   1. Word of Lord comes to Zechariah (1) 2. Lord reminds of anger with ancestors (2) 3. Lord’s “ask” and “promise” of Zechariah to tell the people… (3) a. Return to me (3a) b. I’ll return to you (3b)

Turn from your Evil Ways & Practices (Zechariah 1:4-5)   1. Don’t be like ancestors whom other prophets spoke to them: a. Turn from evil ways and practices (4a) b. They didn’t listen or pay attention (4b) 2. Where are they now, and prophet do they live forever? (5)

Repentance and Remembrance (Zechariah 1:6)   1. Did My words, decrees from prophets overtake your ancestors (6a) 2. The response… repentance saying the Lord has done to us what was deserved as He determined (6b)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Return to Me & I’ll Return to You	Zechariah 1:1-3
Turn from your Evil Ways & Practices	Zechariah 1:4-5
Repentance and Remembrance	Zechariah 1:6

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Zechariah hears and declares word of Lord; ancestor reminder warning.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God is faithful to His word and calls us to righteousness.

Application Questions

How can you have that vibrant closer walk with Jesus?

What do you need to turn away from to be all that God wants?

How do you see God’s hand at work in you? How is He calling for change and growth?

Principles to Remember           

God call for righteousness

Faithful followers are Used for His purposes

Repentance is what is called for

Characteristic of God

Righteous Father

Theme

God calls for His people to turn away from evil to do His words and decrees.  Live righteous lives.

 

 

Haggai 1-2

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    16                                                     Passage:    Haggai 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Changing Priorities (Haggai 1:1-15a) Darius 2nd Year, 6th Month, 1st Day  1. Haggai gives the Lord’s Message… Recognition: Houses rebuilt, but temple remains in ruin… Give careful thought (1:1-5) a. Planted, eaten, drank, clothes, wages b. Don’t do it for you, do they? 2. Request: Go up to the mountains, bring timber, and built Lord’s house for the Lord’s pleasure and honor (1:7-8) a. Expectations in returning didn’t turn out well (1:9a) b. Reason why is that the temple remains in ruin while you’re busy with your own house. (1:9b) c. Result was no dew for crops, a drought on crops, and your labor (1:10-11) 3. Decision to Obey and people feared the Lord (1:12) 4. Haggai gives the Lord’s message, “I am with you,” bringing Zerubbabel (governor of Judah) and Joshua (high priest), and people came and began work on the temple (1:13-15a) Darius 2 Year, 6th Month and 24th Day

Changed Purpose (Haggai 1:15b-2:14) Darius 2nd Year, 7th Month, 21st Day 1. Haggai gives the Lord’s word of encouragement. a. Who remembers the former glory of the temple (2:3) b. Be Strong Zerubbabel, Joshua, and people; work for I am with you, declares the Lord (2:4) c. You are my covenanted people who brought you out of Egypt, and My Spirit remains with you… Don’t Fear (2:5) 2. I’ll shake things up, says the Lord, and fill this house with glory of the former house and grant peace (2:6-9) Darius 2nd Year, 9th Month, 24th Day 3. Haggai asks from the Lord about defilement (2:10-14) a. Does meat consecrated carry over unconsecrated to things it touches? No priest‘s answer (2:11-12) b. Does defiled contact, like a dead body, defile things it touches? Yes, priest’s answer (2:13) c. Same for God’s people (2:14)

Blessing from Change (Haggai 2:15-23) Darius 2nd Year, 9th Month, 24th Day 1. Haggai gives a pointer to carefully think things through (2:15) 2. Before laying another stone in the Lord’s temple… Measure accurately (2:16) 3. I have struck the work of your hands, but you did not return to me (2:17) 4. Gives a warning to have careful thoughts towards the day when the foundation of the temple was laid: (2:18-19a) a. No seed left in the barn b. Until now, the vine, fig tree, pomegranate, and olive have not borne fruit 5. “From this day on I will bless you” (2:19b) Darius 2nd Year, 9th Month, 24th Day – 2nd time 6. The Lord comes to Haggai a second time to tell Zerubbabel: (2:20-23) a. God will shake heaven and earth b. Overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of foreign kingdoms c. Overthrow chariots, horses, and drivers; each by sword d. Make a signet ring

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Changing Priorities	Haggai 1:1-15a
Changed Purpose	Haggai 1:15b-2:19a
Blessing in Change	Haggai 2:19b-23

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Haggai hears and shares God temple priorities, purposes; blessings result

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that a change in priorities and purpose aligned with God results in blessing

Application Questions

What distracts from God’s priorities?

What are your shortcuts take away from your best for God?

Where do you see fruit lacking in your ministry? How do you desire to have God shake things up?

Principles to Remember           

God Admonishes

God Guide

God Encourages

Characteristic of God

Calls to Holiness

Theme

Haggai is used to admonish, challenge returning exiles and leaders to holiness and path beyond self.

 

Esther 8-10

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    15                                                     Passage:    Esther 8-10

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Esther Receives Estate and Edict Given (Esther 8) 1. Esther given Haman’s estate with Mordecai appointed over it (8:1-2) 2. Esther pleads for Jews for end to Haman’s plan against Jews (8:3-6) 3. Xerxes approves another edict to be written (8:7-8) 4. Edict written and distributed quickly to all 127 provinces (8:9-10) 5. Edict granted Jews right to assemble and protect themselves and to annihilate and plunder property of enemies (8:11-14) 6. Mordecai left kings presence wearing royal garments and city celebrated (15) 7. Jewish time of joy, gladness and celebration as new edict of king came (16-17a) 8. Other nationalities became Jews (17b)

Edict Turns Against Enemies of Jews (Esther 9:1-19) 1. Day Haman’s Edict - Tables Turn (9:1-4) a. Jews the upper hand on those that hated them (9:1) b. No one could stand against them (9:2) c. Nobles, satraps, governors and administrators helped; respect for Mordecai responsible (9:3-4) 2. Jews struck down enemies killing hundreds along with 10 sons of Haman; no plunder taken (9:5-15) 3. Jews in the provinces protected themselves killing 75,000; no plunder taken (9:16-17) 4. Feasting and Joy and giving presents in Susa and in rural towns (9:18-19)

Purim Celebration of Victory and Mordecai’s Greatness Declared (Esther 9:20-10:3) 1. Mordecai records events sending letters to Jews in provinces to celebrate when “Sorrow turned to Joy” (9:20-22) 2. Jews agree to celebrate Purim (9:23-26) 3. Jews establish a custom to celebrate without fail the two days to remember days among descendants (9:27-28) 4. Esther and Mordecai write 2nd letter concerning Purim with Esther confirming decree (9:29-32) 5. Xerxes imposed a tribute throughout kingdom of Mordecai’s greatness with all his acts (10:1-2) 6. Mordecai was 2nd in command to Xerxes working for good of Jews (10:3)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Esther Receives Estate and Edict Given	Esther 8
Edict Turns Against Enemies of Jews	Esther 9:1-19
Purim Celebration of Victory and Mordecai’s Greatness Declared	Esther 9:20-10:3

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Mordecai’s defense edict brings Jewish victory with Purim celebration proclaimed

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that recognition of God’s hand in our victory over evil should be celebrated and memorialized.

Application Questions

Tough problems require bold action. How do you respond to tough problems?

In what ways do you stand up to your enemies? How does reliance on God have a play in it?

How do you remember and celebrate God’s hand in your victories?

Principles to Remember           

Our Problems require declaring action

Our Victories come through our reliance on God

Our God’s hand in our successes should be memorialized and remembered

Characteristic of God

Author of Grace

Theme

Tough times require bold action; dependence on God brings joy and celebration