Sermon 223

SERMON 223 – A CLEANSED TEMPLE — A PREREQUISITE TO REVIVAL

Text: Zechariah 3 (entire chapter)
Date in manuscript: March 14, 1971
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

Zechariah is shown a heavenly vision in which God cleanses Joshua the high priest, who represents Israel’s spiritual condition. The people had returned from exile and the temple was being rebuilt, but it was not yet fit for the holy presence of God. The lesson is that before revival can come, the temple must be cleansed. This applies to Israel, to the Church, and to every believer.

I. THE TEMPLE MUST BE A HOLY PLACE (vv. 1–3)

A. Joshua stands before the angel of the Lord
1. He represents the people and the priesthood.
2. He stands in a place of worship and service.
3. Yet he stands guilty, unclean, unfit for holy service.

B. Satan stands to accuse him
1. Satan’s accusations are true.
2. Israel is polluted by sin.
3. A defiled priesthood defiles the whole house of God.
4. Worship cannot be acceptable while people remain unclean.

C. Joshua is clothed in filthy garments
1. A vivid picture of sin.
2. Even the best are defiled.
3. The garments show unworthiness to minister.
4. Until sin is dealt with, revival cannot come.

II. GOD MUST PERFORM THE CLEANSING (vv. 4–5)

A. The Lord rebukes Satan
1. God defends His chosen people.
2. He declares them a brand plucked from the fire.
3. God saved Israel from Babylon and will not abandon them.

B. God removes Joshua’s filthy garments
1. Joshua cannot cleanse himself.
2. Israel cannot purge her own sins.
3. God alone removes iniquity.

C. God clothes him with change of raiment
1. Symbolic of righteousness and God-given purity.
2. Only divine cleansing makes the temple holy.
3. A fair mitre on his head shows restoration of office, acceptance by God, and readiness for service.

III. CLEANSING PREPARES FOR RENEWED SERVICE (vv. 6–7)

A. The priesthood is recommissioned
1. If thou wilt walk in My ways.
2. Joshua is restored not merely to stand but to serve.
3. Cleansing leads to obedience.

B. Conditions for revival
1. Walking in God's ways.
2. Keeping His charge.
3. Ministering faithfully in His courts.
4. Revival follows repentance and obedience.

C. Privilege promised
1. He shall judge God’s house.
2. He shall keep God’s courts.
3. He shall have access into God’s presence.
A cleansed temple becomes a place where God delights to dwell.

IV. THE PROMISE OF THE COMING BRANCH (vv. 8–10)

A. Joshua and his fellows are men wondered at
1. They are signs pointing beyond themselves.
2. The scene prefigures Christ.

B. The Branch, the Messiah
1. God promises to bring forth His servant the Branch.
2. Christ is God’s servant, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the builder of the true temple.

C. I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day
1. A prophecy of the cross.
2. What Israel could not cleanse, Christ removes instantly.
3. The great Day of Atonement is fulfilled in Jesus.

D. Peace and prosperity follow cleansing
1. Every man under his vine and fig tree.
2. Fellowship replaces fear.
3. Unity replaces division.
4. God’s favor rests on a purified people.

CONCLUSION

Before God brings revival, He first purifies His temple. For Israel this meant a cleansed priesthood. For us it means cleansing our hearts, homes, congregations, and worship. We must cast off filthy garments and receive the righteousness Christ alone provides. Only then can God dwell among us in power.