The Spirit of God Clothed Itself With Zechariah
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of surrendering to the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to witness against societal sins despite facing opposition.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound relationship between the Holy Spirit and those who surrender to Him, likening it to clothing that the Spirit wears. He challenges listeners to consider whether they are allowing the Spirit to work through them or if they are merely using the Spirit for personal gain. Meyer warns that embodying the Spirit may lead to conflict with societal norms, as it did for Zechariah, who faced persecution for his faithfulness. He encourages believers to be pliable and willing to bear the cost of their witness, knowing that true martyrdom is recognized by Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep commitment to being vessels of the Holy Spirit's power and glory.
Text
The Spirit of God clothed itself with Zechariah
the son of Jehoiada. 2 Chron. xxiv. 20 (R. V., marg.).
AS we put on a cloak or dress, so does the Spirit of God, as it were, hide Himself in those who surrender themselves to Him, so that it is not they who speak and act, but He within them. Have you at any time been conscious of having become the clothing of the Holy Spirit? Remember that cloth or leather must yield itself easily to the movements of its wearer, and not less pliable and supple must we be to the Spirit of God.
When the Spirit of God is thus within us, and speaks or acts for us, we may expect, as Zechariah found it, to come into collision with the entire drift and current of society around us, and to incur odium and hatred. Men do not like to be told that they cannot prosper because they have forsaken God; but we have no alternative than to witness against their sins. Does the Spirit clothe Himself with you my friend, as you anticipate the work of to‑day? Are you using Him, or is He to use you? Are you seeking to clothe yourself with his power for some personal ambition, or are you desirous that He should array Himself in you, so that the glory may evidently be his? In the agony of battle, when great deeds are to be done, no one stops to think of the uniform of the soldier, but only of the might beneath it.
But for this you must be prepared to pay the cost, and be willing to cross the cherished purposes of men, as the Spirit of God by your voice or deed witnesses against them. They stoned Zechariah at the command of the king; but years after the Lord Jesus referred to it, for no faithful martyr seals his witness with his blood without some quick glance of recognition from the Master, and some record on the imperishable tablets of his heart.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The Spirit of God as a Cloak
- The Importance of Surrender
- Being Pliable to the Spirit
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II
- The Collision with Society
- Witnessing Against Sin
- Expecting Opposition
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III
- Personal Ambition vs. Divine Purpose
- The Cost of Discipleship
- Recognition from the Master
Key Quotes
“the Spirit of God, as it were, hide Himself in those who surrender themselves to Him.” — F.B. Meyer
“Men do not like to be told that they cannot prosper because they have forsaken God.” — F.B. Meyer
“no faithful martyr seals his witness with his blood without some quick glance of recognition from the Master.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Reflect on how you can surrender more fully to the Holy Spirit in your daily life.
- Be prepared to face opposition when standing firm in your faith and witnessing against sin.
- Consider your motivations: are you seeking personal glory or the glory of God in your actions?