LESSON 8 2. How does God answer their question about weeping and abstaining in Zechariah 7:4–7?
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
LEGALISM Legalism is excessive adherence to laws or rules. It emphasizes a formula for salvation over faith; and it leads to “going through the motions” in- stead of acting out of love for God. In chapter 7, Zechariah emphasizes the emptiness of religious observance without true obedience and justice. He recalls God’s judgment on an earlier generation who had made their hearts “diamond-hard” (Zech. 7:12) against His former prophets, who were calling them to truth, kindness, and mercy. They thought their observance of reli- gious fasts and feasts, meeting the letter of the law, was sufficient. But God wanted them to obey Him in their hearts as well as outwardly. Legalism is a constant temptation because it seems easier to check off boxes instead of maintaining a genuine relationship with God. But ultimately, it is Satan’s trap, laid to lead believers away from God and toward trust in themselves.
3. Read Zechariah 7:4–14 and notice the history of the Jew’s hard-heartedness. What are the people to pursue?
4. In what way might you be similarly hard-hearted, simply “going through the motions” with a heart that is distant from God or hardened by sin? Just as God challenged the Israelites, are you becoming the person God intends to live in His kingdom? Take time for prayer, repentance, and action.
Zechariah 6:9–8:23 | 89
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator