Not by might nor by power
William MacDonald emphasizes that true Christian victory and effective ministry come not from human strength or resources but solely through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In this teaching sermon, William MacDonald explores the vital truth that God's work is accomplished through the Holy Spirit rather than human strength, resources, or strategies. Using vivid biblical examples such as the fall of Jericho, Gideon's victory, and Elijah's altar fire, he illustrates how reliance on God's Spirit leads to true spiritual victory. MacDonald challenges believers to shift their focus from human efforts to spiritual dependence, emphasizing prayer, faith, and the Word as essential tools in Christian service.
Text
“Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6)
This verse enshrines the important truth that the work of the Lord is not carried on by human ingenuity and strength but by the Holy Spirit.
We see it in the capture of Jericho. It was not the armed might of Israel that caused the walls to fall down. The Lord was the One who delivered the city into their hands when the priests blew the trumpets seven times.
If it had depended on a huge army, Gideon would never have defeated the Midianites, because his army had been thinned down to three hundred men. And their unconventional weaponry consisted of earthenware pitchers with torches inside. It could only have been the Lord who gave them the victory.
Elijah purposely eliminated any possibility that human might or power might ignite the altar by pouring twelve barrels of water over it. When the fire fell, there could be no question as to its divine source.
Left to human ingenuity, the disciples could fish all night but catch nothing. That provided the opportunity for the Lord to show them that they must look to Him for true effectiveness in service.
It’s easy for us to think that money is the greatest need in Christian service. Actually it never was and never will be. Hudson Taylor was right when he said that what we need to fear is not too little money but too much unconsecrated money.
Or we resort to behind-the-scenes politicking, or to highpowered promotional programs, or to the psychological manipulation of people, or to clever oratory. We engage in vast construction programs and in organizational empire building, vainly thinking that these are the keys to success.
But it is not by might or by power or by any of these things that the work of God is forwarded. It is by the Spirit of the Lord.
Much so-called Christian work today would still continue if there were no Holy Spirit. But genuine Christian work is that which makes Him indispensable by waging the spiritual warfare, not with carnal weapons but with prayer, faith and the Word of God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Zechariah 4:6
- The principle of reliance on the Spirit, not human strength
- Examples from the Old Testament
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II
- The capture of Jericho as a demonstration of God's power
- Gideon's victory with a small army and unconventional weapons
- Elijah's altar fire as a divine confirmation
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III
- New Testament example of disciples fishing without success
- The need to depend on Jesus for effectiveness
- Misplaced reliance on money and human strategies in ministry
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IV
- The true nature of Christian work empowered by the Holy Spirit
- Spiritual warfare using prayer, faith, and the Word
- Conclusion: God's work is done by His Spirit alone
Key Quotes
“Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord.” — William MacDonald
“It is not by might or by power or by any of these things that the work of God is forwarded. It is by the Spirit of the Lord.” — William MacDonald
“Much so-called Christian work today would still continue if there were no Holy Spirit. But genuine Christian work is that which makes Him indispensable by waging the spiritual warfare, not with carnal weapons but with prayer, faith and the Word of God.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Depend on the Holy Spirit rather than your own strength in all areas of life and ministry.
- Engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, faith, and Scripture instead of relying on human tactics.
- Evaluate your resources and efforts to ensure they are consecrated and aligned with God's will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit' mean?
It means that God's work is accomplished not through human strength or resources but through the Holy Spirit's power.
Why does William MacDonald use examples like Jericho and Gideon?
He uses these biblical examples to show that victories in God's work come from divine intervention, not human effort.
Is money important in Christian ministry according to the sermon?
While money can be useful, the sermon warns against relying on money over the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that unconsecrated money can be a hindrance.
What is the role of spiritual warfare in Christian work?
Spiritual warfare involves using prayer, faith, and the Word of God rather than human tactics to advance God's kingdom.
How can believers apply this message in their daily lives?
Believers are encouraged to depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance and power rather than their own abilities or resources.