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People of the Promise: Exile & Return

Lesson 21 - The Promise of the Coming King, ZECHARIAH 9-11

God calls us to be leaders as stewards of His righteousness, but human leaders are egotistical, selfish, greedy, self-serving, and opportunistic. We care less for others than we care for ourselves and our tribe. False leadership has a trickle down effect where their distortions, lies, and wicked ways cause distress and corruption in the way people live their own lives. Visible leaders have an unique opportunity to model exemplary behavior, but we see this failure in Zechariah 9-11. But we have hope, the the Messiah, the True Leader who shows us what true leadership looks like, One who humanity desperately needs and believers are called to live like.

Jesus Christ, the rejected Shepherd, will reign and rule eternally as conquering King.

Focus Verse

“The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.”   (Zechariah 9:16)

Aim: Though rejected by humanity, Jesus Christ will reign without rival.

I. The Promised King Who Comes (Zechariah 9)

A. The Fall of Earthly Powers (9:1–8) The Humble King Who Saves (9:9–10)

B. Eternal King who enters history in humility. Fulfilled in Christ’s Triumphal Entry.

C. The Victorious King Who Delivers (9:11–17) Covenant blood fulfilled in Christ.

Principle 1: The King who came in humility will return in authority.

II. The Faithful Shepherd Who Restores (Zechariah 10)

A. A Warning Against False Shepherds (10:1–3)

B. The Cornerstone and the Battle Bow (10:4) Jesus as foundation, stability, authority

C. The Shepherd Who Gathers and Strengthens (10:5–12)

Principle 2: Our security rests not in human leaders but in the Shepherd-King.

III. The Rejected Shepherd Who Will Reign (Zechariah 11)

A. The Coming Desolation (11:1–3)

B. The True Shepherd Rejected (11:4–14) Betrayal price fulfilled in Christ.

C. The Foolish Shepherd and Final Judgment (11:15–17)

Principle 3: How we respond to Jesus determines our destiny.

When faith becomes hollow — when practice replaces attentive devotion. Zechariah 7-8

In Zechariah 7, the leaders ask whether they should continue fasting — something they’ve faithfully done for decades.

On the surface, it sounds commendable. Disciplined. Devout. Consistent.

But instead of applauding their commitment, God asks a confronting question: 

“Who was this really for?” Were these fasts about listening to Him — or about maintaining a system that felt safe, familiar, and controllable?

What follows is sobering. God reminds them that religious activity had continued even while hearts had grown hard. Justice was ignored. Compassion faded. God’s Word was resisted. And eventually, religion continued — but relationship broke down.

God speaks words of hope, restoration, and joy. He talks about returning to dwell with His people. About peace replacing fear. About mourning turning into celebration. About a future so good that people from other nations will want to be part of what God is doing.

We’ll see both the danger of empty religion and the hope of a future shaped by God’s promises. And underneath it all is a truth that is as challenging as it is freeing.

Our aim today is simple:

God desires obedient hearts, not empty religious practice.

We’ll unpack this in two divisions from the text:

Aim: God calls people out of empty religion into a vibrant relationship with Him.

I. Empty Religion of Mechanical Devotion - Zechariah 7:1-14

A. Works-Based Religion: 7:1-3

B. Self-Satisfied Religion: 7:4-7

C. Self-Focused Religion: 7:8-12

D. God’s Just Correction: 7:13-14

PRINCIPLE: Rituals are no substitute for repentant hearts filled with love for God and others.

II. True Relationship with God, Feasting through Fruitfulness - Zechariah 8:1-23

A. Feast for Love: 8:1-6

B. Feast for Salvation: 8:7-13

C. Feast for Righteousness: 8:14-19

D. Feast for Witness: 8:20-23

PRINCIPLE: Just as Jesus bore fruits of our Salvation, God intends for His people to live lives of spiritual abundance that call others to Him.

APPLICATIONS:

1. Is your worship of God rooted more in what you do (tradition, rituals) or in God Himself?

2. Where have you seen God’s abundant blessing in your relationship with Him?

BSF GLOBAL LECTURE

Complete Resolution; Perfect Justice

The final three visions and the symbolic coronation don’t just comfort—they confront. God shows His people that He sees sin clearly, that He will not coexist with evil forever, and that His rule will not be challenged indefinitely. These visions answer the unspoken fear: Does God really act, or does He just observe?

What’s striking is how comprehensive God’s response is. He addresses personal sin, entrenched wickedness, global powers, and finally presents His own appointed ruler. This isn’t chaos management—it’s moral clarity. God is not wringing His hands. He is moving history toward a righteous and uncontested reign.

And right at the center of it all is a surprising image: a high priest wearing a crown. It’s unexpected. It’s symbolic. And it quietly points forward to God’s ultimate solution—not just judgment, but a representative who stands in for His people and reigns on their behalf.

So as we walk through Zechariah 5 and 6 tonight, we’ll see this big, steady truth come into focus:

God will judge sinners, abolish evil, and reign without rival.

Aim: CATL God's future plans of judgment and reigning without rival involves Israel

I. GOD's JUDGMENT (Zech 5:1-6:8)

a.) Removal of lawlessness [5:1-4]

b.) Removal of wickedness [5:5-11]

c.) Removal of world systems [6:1-8]

II. GOD CROWNS HIS KING-PRIEST (Zech 6:9-15)

a.) Current Symbolic Action [6:9-13]

b.) Memorial in Remembrance [6:14-15]

Principles:

1. God’s final judgment is a removal of all that causes humanity’s pain

2. Jesus intercedes now as righteous high priest and will rule as unrivaled king

Zechariah's Night Visions Part 1 covering Vision 1-5

Zechariah’s name means “God remembers” after the Hebrew word Zachar -which means to remember. God is not remembering something He forgot. It’s we who forgot. No, here, God is reassuring us that He has never forgotten His promises and is undertaking every detail of His plan to show us our Redeemer and our Rescue from the human condition of darkness and death. It’s we who have forgotten. And remember meaning of Haggai’s name? The prophet who preached prophecies with Zechariah? Celebration! The two together calls God’s people to remember and celebrate God’s plans for us for His promises are true and faithful.

When forget what God is doing, and we don’t understand His plans, we will fail to know how to live as His followers. Then we will have lost the gameplan, the blueprint, and we’ll become beleaguered by worldly enticements that lure us away. And when we living for this worldly frame of mind, we will fail to see the greatness of God's plan, even as we stare at the blueprint - the Bible. Meantime, there will be many naysayers and disillusioned people who say it's a crazy idea. Listen to how this matters for our walk with God.

AIM: God strengthens His people with present provision and future promises.

I. God Reveals His Ongoing Care for His People (Zechariah 1:7–2:13)

A. God knows the condition of His people (1:7–17)

– Vision 1: God sees suffering and speaks words of comfort

Vision 2: Horns and craftsmen. Oppression exists, but it is limited by God

– Vision 3: Jerusalem measured, unwalled, protected by God Himself

Attribute: God is invisible, yet personally present and actively involved with His people (2:5, 2:10).

Principle 1: God’s care for His people is constant, even when it is not immediately visible.

II. God Removes the Sin That Stands Against His People (Zechariah 3:1–10)

A. God silences the accuser and removes guilt (3:1–5)

– Vision 4: Joshua clothed in filthy garments

– God acts decisively on behalf of His people. The Spirit convicts, regenerates, applies righteousness, and assures forgiveness.

B. God restores His people for renewed purpose (3:6–10)

– Forgiveness leads to peace, security, and fruitfulness. Christ the Branch who removes sin (3:8–9)

– Sin removed “in one day”. Fulfilled in Christ’s once-for-all atoning work

Principle 2: God strengthens His people by removing the guilt that weakens and accuses them.

III. God Supplies the Power Needed to Complete His Work (Zechariah 4:1–14)

A. God provides a continual supply of power (4:1–6)

– Vision 5: Lampstand and oil. Power flows from God, not human effort. Human agents matter, but the source is divine.  Attribute: God’s Spirit is invisible, yet His power is unmistakable in its effects (4:6–7).

Principle 3: God accomplishes His work by His Spirit, not by human strength.

Lesson 17: Zechariah: A Call to Return to the Lord

Repentance is a attitude of humility and contriteness of heart to accept the truth that God says about our sinful condition, behavior, and ways. Without repentance, we cannot change.

Repentance is an ongoing education about ourselves transforming us toward the likeness of the Messiah our Lord Jesus. The mind and heart of repentance depends on submission to the Holy Spirit's speaking to our spirits. He uses His Word, other faithful saints, even circumstances that is directed by God to show us where we are and who we are. Repentance is spiritual honesty, which is essential to our sanctification, maturation, and joyful life in Christ.

Aim: God longs to bless and restore repentant sinners

Doctrine: Repentance

Division 1 – God’s Call to Return (Zechariah 1:1–3)

A. God Speaks into a Stalled People (v.1)

– God raises His word at a specific moment

– Returned physically, yet drifting spiritually

Principle 1: God invites us back before He moves us forward.

Division 2 – God’s Warning from the Past (Zechariah 1:4–6)

A. A Call Not to Repeat Old Patterns (v.4)

– “Do not be like your ancestors”

– Knowledge and heritage do not equal obedience

Doctrine (v.4): Repentance includes personal responsibility — I cannot hide behind past generations, leaders or traditions.

Principle 2: Ignoring repentance always costs more than returning to God.

Lesson 16 Lecture: God is not our side project: Transforming Frustration to Focus

Haggai 1-2

In Haggai, the the Prophet is telling the people they are not ready for what God has brought them back into the land for. It was not to have fine houses and fabulous lives. Their purpose was far greater than their creaturely comforts - they were getting Israel prepared for the prophetic fulfillment in the arrival of the Messiah.

Readiness is about knowing what’s going on, the game plan, what our purpose and duties are, what we’re supposed to live for and be actively engaged in. Readiness helps us "Batten down the hatches" which means to prepare for a difficult situation, crisis, or storm by securing everything, plugging the holes where water can get in, and getting ready for trouble.

Readiness also means understanding God’s timeline and God’s work in the world. He’s the master of world events, and we can only speak about His perfect control if we know what He our sovereign God is doing. If you’re not ready, you’re not steady. If you snooze, you lose.

God is never our hobby or side project. He is the Central and Main Lover of our souls who guides us to "green pastures and still waters" (Ps 23) where we can abound to every good things He has created us to be and do.

Focus Verse

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.”   (Haggai 2:6-7)

Doctrine: The Doctrine of Sanctification

I. Complacency called out  Haggai 1

a.) Complacency's Consequences 1:1-11

b.) Complacency's Cure 1:12-15

Principle: God’s work done God’s way results in God’s glory.

II. Refocused God’s Eternal Priorities  Haggai 2

a. Refocused by God’s Presence  2:1–9

b. Refocused through God’s Holiness  2:10–19

c. Refocused by God’s Promise  2:20–23

Principle: Living for God’s glory yields life’s greatest blessing.

1. Where are you easily discouraged in your life because you’re chasing the wrong priorities? How can you ask God for His perspective?

2. How has God blessed you, even in intangible ways? Did you see His glory revealed when you stepped out in obedience?

God's Grace Abundant Even as We Ignore It

By God’s grace, sin’s deadly edict over God's people was reversed through the blood of Jesus Christ. God’s grace not only provides salvation for those who trust in Christ but also sustains them through this life and into eternity. The air we breathe, the guidance we experience, and the strength we need to live our lives all represent God’s undeserved favor—His marvelous grace.

Think about what your life would be like WITHOUT God’s grace. If I do not believe in God’s grace, I won’t understand the depth of my sin and I won’t see my need for salvation. Life would be so miserable, and the lies of the world would lead me to believe that I am entitled to God’s favor, which I think I can earn; and therefore life would be a mess.

BUT… when I believe in God’s grace, I take no credit for my salvation or anything God has done on my behalf. With humility and gratitude, I recognize my utter dependence on God and His unswerving faithfulness. I feel secure, not because I am strong but because God is gracious.

We can become so accustomed to God’s grace that we fail to recognize its wonder, but the truth is, we stand in constant need of God’s grace, which He supplies in lavish abundance!!

Application Questions:

How often do you stop and ponder that God’s grace is truly amazing?

In what ways have you experienced God’s grace today? How will you thank Him?

Outline:

Aim: God graciously provides victory over sin’s curse.

FROM VICTIMS TO VICTORS

I. A Counter-Decree of Grace (Esther 8 )

II. A Deliverance By Grace (Esther 9:1 - 19 )

III. A Celebration of Grace and Providence (Esther 9:20-10:3)

PRINCIPLES

By God’s grace, sin’s deadly consequences are reversed.

By God’s grace, His own are sustained through this life and into eternity.

By God’s grace, we continue to celebrate His victory over sin and death.

Lesson 14: Esther 3-7. Spiritual subversions and God's Reversals
In the Old Testament, we see satanic spirits in hiding behind disguises, as idols and enemies, working through surrogate pawns and puppets, rulers, nations, and empire systems, always acting to shape dark and ruinous cultures, and dehumanize and degrade people and their minds. One of the key identifiers of those who work against God is human pride. It denigrates and defies God. It doesn't understand God and His Truth, and rejects them out of hand. But God always thwarts the ways of darkness and patiently holds out the truth for those who would seek Him. In the New Testament, Jesus our Messiah finally arrives and sheds light in the darkness, and evil spirits can no longer hide. They come up to the surface and are expelled. Their facades fall away, and false disguises crumble to show the waste and ruin they have done. Evil spirits are everywhere, and Jesus casts them away, releasing people from bondage, giving them victory by His Power.
In this lesson, we learn that God's fingerprints of planning and guidance is everywhere. He guides and shapes events and actions to lead His people to His perfect Will and Plans. He is in charge. Through challenge, His people learn how great God is working to protect and guide them, even when we are totally ignorant of all the parts He coordinates to bring about our victory and our good.

AIM: God sovereignly works to teach and reveal truth, to save souls, show His power, and demonstrate His faithfulness according to HIS glorious plan

Outline:

1. Evil’s Plot Unfolds (3:1–15) – when pride and hatred rise, God constrained them and their effects.

2. God’s People Persevere (4:1–5:14) – when fear surrounds, God perfectly positions His people to act in faith.

3. God’s Perfect Reversal (6:1–7:10) – when evil seem formidable, God gives His people power to overcome and victory.

Principles:

1. God sovereignly permits His people to face opposition for His glory.

2. God sovereignly positions and calls His own to live out courageous faith.

3.God can sovereignly flip the tables on the enemy’s plans and reward His people in due time.

BSF Global Lecture provided by BSF HQ on Esther 1-2

Seeing all things within God's Providence and Sovereignty.

People explain their lives in different ways. One of the most powerful differences in telling the story is when one includes God vs not including God.

Remember that most of the Bible were written by God’s prophets. But here’s one of the few books not written by prophets but by an unknown Jewish historian (- perhaps because the prophets are focused on a more central witness with the returnees in Jerusalem). Observe the details that make it a historical genre. But we see that removing God’s explicit mention does not remove His indelible work among the Jews.

This applies to all the stories we read through Scripture. Without God, we see hopeless, despair, and confusion. But when we remember God's providence and presence in each instance, we find that even in the worst circumstances, that God is with them (and us) and in total control - for He is sovereign and in complete, perfect control. He knows the plans he had for us and what He wants to undertake. If we only pay attention, we can see in hindsight the "footprints in the sand" and the rescues in His plans. When we trace His plans there in the stories, we rejoice in wonderment over His acts, for all His ways are perfect and meant for our good and for the good of those we didn't even think to be included in God's plans.

So Esther is a unique story told seemingly without mention of God. But we know God is at work in their history, much the same way He is working in our stories today.

This Christmas, we see secular stories pushing to drown out the sacred storu. How do we witness and tell of the spiritual work being done by a God who loves, saves us, and cares for us, and is using us, training and preparing us, and teaching and maturing us, and having us involved in micro and macro projects for His honor, glory, and praise?

How would you tell your story - not the secular version non-believers see and follow, but the sacred version God's people are called to remonstrate to those who don't see? How does that affect your telling others about the Christmas Story?

Why does God use Marriage as a metaphor for a relationship with Him?

When a good marriage is very good and shining. But when we enter into a sacred trust and life-alignment with those who do not love nor care for God, we can jeopardize our own faith.

Does it really matter? Is it a big deal? What should be done? Those are the questions asked by the people who didn't think too deeply about this as they resettled the land and return to being a people devoted to God.

What if any kind of marriage will do? What happens if we perpetuate the idea that any living arrangement with any group of people you have strong emotional feelings for is alright and acceptable to God? Wouldn't people increasingly let their fickle feelings decide on their most important decisions and devotions, and may lead in time to choosing the counterfeit over the good designed by God?

Lesson 12 Outline:

Doctrine: Sin, Its Character and Universality

Attribute of God: Righteous

CATL: of the gravity of our sins’ foothold, hindering holiness, purity, and living into His Great Purposes for our lives

I. CONTAMINATION & MOURNING Ezra 9

A) Appalled at sin (9:1-4)

B) Anguished in prayer(9:5-15)

P1:God reveals the gravity of our sin to change our posture and perspectives

II. COOPERATION & CLEANSING Ezra 10

A) Corporate Confession (10:1-6)

B) Corporate Commitment (10:7-15)

C) Corporate Cleansing (10:16-44)

P2:Our response to revealed sin reveals what we believe about God.