Realigning Priorities: A Call to Spiritual Renewal
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we delved into the book of Haggai, a lesser-known but profoundly impactful book in the Bible. The Israelites, having returned from exile, were called by God to rebuild the temple. However, they faced significant opposition from the Samaritans and other neighbors, which led them to abandon the project for many years. Instead, they focused on building their own luxurious homes while God's house lay in ruins. Through the prophet Haggai, God challenged the Israelites to reconsider their priorities. Haggai's message was clear: the people were experiencing dissatisfaction and unfulfillment because they had neglected their spiritual duties and placed their own comfort above God's commands.
We explored the concept of priorities, categorizing them into A, B, and C levels. The Israelites had their priorities mixed up, focusing on the least important tasks while neglecting the most crucial ones. This misalignment led to a life of spiritual starvation and unfulfilled potential. Haggai's call to "consider your ways" is a wake-up call for us today. We often get caught up in the busyness of life, prioritizing tasks that are easy or socially acceptable while neglecting our relationship with God.
The sermon also touched on the idea of regret. Many of us may reach the end of our lives and regret not having prioritized our relationship with God and our spiritual duties. The Israelites who failed to rebuild the temple likely faced such regrets. We were reminded that our purpose in life should align with God's will, and when it does, we will have no regrets. Jesus' life exemplified this perfectly; His priority was always to do the will of the Father, leaving no room for regret.
In closing, we were encouraged to reflect on our own lives and consider our ways. Are we prioritizing God, or are we too busy with lesser things? The call is to realign our priorities, put God first, and live a life without regret.
### Key Takeaways
1. Reconsider Your Priorities: Just as the Israelites focused on their own homes while neglecting God's temple, we often prioritize our comfort and convenience over our spiritual duties. Haggai's message is a call to realign our priorities, putting God first in all aspects of our lives. [35:40]
2. The Danger of Complacency: When faced with opposition, the Israelites became complacent and abandoned their mission. This complacency led to spiritual starvation and unfulfillment. We must guard against complacency in our own lives, continually striving to fulfill God's calling despite challenges. [36:29]
3. The Weight of Regret: At the end of our lives, we are more likely to regret not having prioritized our relationship with God and our spiritual duties. The Israelites who failed to rebuild the temple likely faced such regrets. Aligning our lives with God's will ensures that we live without regret. [59:06]
4. The Busyness Trap: The devil often uses busyness to distract us from our spiritual duties. We fill our lives with tasks that seem important but ultimately keep us from spending time with God. Slowing down and prioritizing our relationship with God can transform our lives and communities. [49:01]
5. Consider Your Ways: Haggai's repeated call to "consider your ways" is a powerful reminder to examine our lives and priorities. Are we living in a way that reflects our commitment to God, or are we merely going through the motions? This self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [46:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:36] - Introduction to Haggai
[33:34] - Opposition and Complacency
[34:42] - God's Call to Rebuild
[35:40] - Misplaced Priorities
[36:29] - Spiritual Starvation
[37:18] - Levels of Priorities
[38:02] - A, B, and C Priorities
[39:22] - The Israelites' Mistake
[40:01] - Modern-Day Complacency
[41:30] - Excuses and Delays
[42:03] - The Ease of Busyness
[43:19] - God's Wake-Up Call
[43:58] - The Weight of Words
[44:33] - Consider Your Ways
[45:05] - Screen Time and Priorities
[46:13] - A Priorities vs. Cultural Norms
[46:43] - Examining Our Lives
[47:16] - Heart Over Building
[48:28] - The Busyness Trap
[49:01] - The Impact of Busyness
[50:09] - Slowing Down for God
[51:17] - Facing Hard Truths
[52:21] - True Fulfillment
[52:57] - Becoming God's People
[53:37] - Admitting Our Faults
[54:40] - Beautiful Houses, Ruined Temples
[55:14] - Living Without Regrets
[56:21] - Personal Regrets
[57:27] - Decisions and Regrets
[58:33] - Purpose and Regret
[59:06] - The Israelites' Regret
[01:00:12] - Jesus and Priorities
[01:01:20] - No Regrets with God
[01:01:54] - Closing Reflections
[01:03:33] - God's Call to Action
[01:04:10] - Prioritizing God
[01:04:55] - Reflecting on Regrets
[01:05:37] - Becoming God's People Again
[01:07:25] - Final Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Haggai 1:2-6 (NIV): "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'These people say, "The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house." Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the Israelites' initial reactions to the opposition they faced while rebuilding the temple? ([33:34])
2. According to Haggai 1:2-6, what were the consequences of the Israelites prioritizing their own homes over God's temple? ([35:40])
3. How does Haggai describe the Israelites' state of satisfaction despite their efforts? ([36:29])
4. What does the phrase "consider your ways" mean in the context of Haggai's message? ([43:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Israelites chose to focus on their own homes instead of rebuilding the temple, despite knowing God's command? ([34:42])
2. How does the concept of A, B, and C priorities help us understand the Israelites' actions and their consequences? ([38:02])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between busyness and spiritual neglect? ([49:01])
4. How does the idea of regret play into the sermon’s message about prioritizing God? ([55:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are prioritizing comfort or convenience over your spiritual duties? How can you realign these priorities? ([35:40])
2. Have you ever experienced spiritual dissatisfaction similar to what the Israelites faced? What changes did you make, or can you make, to address this? ([36:29])
3. The sermon mentions the "busyness trap." Identify one area in your life where busyness is keeping you from spending time with God. What practical steps can you take to slow down and prioritize your relationship with Him? ([49:01])
4. Consider the phrase "consider your ways." What specific actions can you take this week to examine and adjust your daily habits to better reflect your commitment to God? ([43:58])
5. Think about a time when you faced opposition in fulfilling a spiritual duty. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in future challenges? ([34:42])
6. Reflect on the concept of regret as discussed in the sermon. Are there any spiritual duties or relationships you have neglected that you might regret later? How can you address these now to avoid future regret? ([55:14])
7. The sermon encourages us to live a life without regret by aligning our purpose with God's will. What is one specific way you can ensure your life aligns with God's will this week? ([59:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Reconsider Your Priorities
The Israelites, after returning from exile, were called by God to rebuild the temple. However, they faced significant opposition and chose to focus on building their own luxurious homes instead. This misalignment of priorities led to dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. Haggai's message was a wake-up call for them to reconsider their ways and put God first. Today, we often find ourselves caught up in the busyness of life, prioritizing tasks that are easy or socially acceptable while neglecting our relationship with God. This call to "consider your ways" is just as relevant for us now as it was for the Israelites. [35:40]
Haggai 1:4-5 (ESV): "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have prioritized your comfort and convenience over your spiritual duties? How can you begin to realign your priorities to put God first today?
Day 2: The Danger of Complacency
When the Israelites faced opposition from their neighbors, they became complacent and abandoned their mission to rebuild the temple. This complacency led to spiritual starvation and unfulfillment. In our own lives, we must guard against complacency and continually strive to fulfill God's calling despite challenges. Complacency can easily creep in when we face difficulties, but it is crucial to remain steadfast in our spiritual duties and not let opposition deter us from God's work. [36:29]
Haggai 1:9 (ESV): "You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house."
Reflection: In what ways have you become complacent in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to overcome this complacency and stay committed to God's calling?
Day 3: The Weight of Regret
At the end of our lives, we are more likely to regret not having prioritized our relationship with God and our spiritual duties. The Israelites who failed to rebuild the temple likely faced such regrets. Aligning our lives with God's will ensures that we live without regret. Jesus' life exemplified this perfectly; His priority was always to do the will of the Father, leaving no room for regret. By following His example, we can live a life of purpose and fulfillment. [59:06]
Haggai 2:15-16 (ESV): "Now then, consider from this day onward. Before stone was placed upon stone in the temple of the Lord, how did you fare? When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty."
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any areas where you might face regret in the future if you continue on the same path? How can you realign your life with God's will to avoid these regrets?
Day 4: The Busyness Trap
The devil often uses busyness to distract us from our spiritual duties. We fill our lives with tasks that seem important but ultimately keep us from spending time with God. Slowing down and prioritizing our relationship with God can transform our lives and communities. It is essential to recognize the busyness trap and make a conscious effort to slow down and focus on what truly matters. By doing so, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling spiritual life. [49:01]
Haggai 1:6 (ESV): "You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes."
Reflection: What are some tasks or activities in your life that keep you busy but do not contribute to your spiritual growth? How can you create more time to spend with God and focus on your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Consider Your Ways
Haggai's repeated call to "consider your ways" is a powerful reminder to examine our lives and priorities. Are we living in a way that reflects our commitment to God, or are we merely going through the motions? This self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. By taking the time to reflect on our actions and priorities, we can make necessary changes to live a life that honors God and fulfills His purpose for us. [46:43]
Haggai 1:7-8 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord."
Reflection: Take a moment to examine your life and priorities. Are there any areas where you are merely going through the motions rather than fully committing to God? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with His will?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Frequently when we're met with opposition, it means we just... We just kind of give up. It's often too easy to just stop once things get difficult. And that's what they did. They met this opposition. So they stopped the work or slowed way down for about six years as they rebuilt the temple for God. And then they just stopped completely." [34:42](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's easy to get our priorities out of whack, isn't it? It's easy to get things off balance all of a sudden in our lives. As the people, as we're seeing here this morning, God had told them, but they didn't. They began to make excuses as to why their priorities were off. We often find ourselves focusing on what's easy to accomplish, what nobody opposes, what doesn't take all that much brain power, what doesn't require too much of a relationship." [40:01](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If the devil can't make you sin, he will make you busy. If he can't make you sin, he will just make you busy enough to think you don't have time for God. I got thinking about that this weekend. Boy, it hit me. It took my breath away, apparently. But for the people of God, they had their priorities so mixed up. But I think that this busyness is what gets us in the wrong ways." [48:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we'll just let life slow down a little bit to spend time and to care for our soul, our churches might begin to look differently. Our communities might begin to be changed, to actually see this love of Jesus Christ that can be poured out upon all people. It's a grace that's sufficient for us, but we have to stop long enough to know that that's what God wants for us." [50:09](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So God's calling His people back. Come back. And He says, would you just consider your ways? Maybe your ways are not always right. That's a tough one for us to admit. Maybe I'm not always right. Maybe I do need to examine my life. Maybe there are things going on in your life that you need to stop for just a minute and say, God, would you just... I'm scared to go through with this, God, but would you just help me through the things that I'm trying to shove down as far as possible so I don't have to acknowledge the bad things in my life." [53:37](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Haggai is pointing out the word of the Lord to his people. And he's saying, you are essentially starving because you've become complacent in where you're at with building your own houses. You're perfecting your own things, and yet my house has nothing done to it. You're not doing the right things. And so I would say that the people at this point have their priorities flip-flopped. I think it's easy for that to happen, but God is calling us out of a life of priorities to what we want." [36:29](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So for us today, he would say consider your ways. What do you do? How do you spend your time? The cool thing about our cell phones is that, or for me at least, every Sunday morning at night, it pops up and tells me what my screen time was this week. Does your phone do that? It tells you how long you spent on your phone on average every day that week. And if you want more information about it, you can see which apps you spent the most amount of time in. So go and look at your phone after church today and see where your priorities lie. Do you spend more time with God or do you spend more time on your phone?" [45:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But it's almost like we don't ever stop. It's like we're too scared to actually face the things that God wants us to face in our lives so that we can have a relationship with God. Well, if I just stay busy enough, long enough, I won't have to admit my sins and my faults. I won't have to bring that up. I won't have to forgive anyone because if I stay busy enough, then I don't have to do any of the things that actually matter. But if we'll just admit those things, if we just ask forgiveness and face some of the harder things in life for just a few minutes, imagine what God can do through His people that are willing to humble themselves and let a nation be changed, let churches be changed, let your family be changed." [51:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So the temple is what's significant to them that God says, just go back, go and collect the supplies and bring them back. But He says, you've planted much and you harvest little. You eat but you're not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but you cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes. He's saying you're trying to do everything you can to be as full as you possibly can, but you never will until God is the one that becomes our sustenance. Consider your ways. Become a people of God instead of just these people be my people." [52:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So for the Israelites, they could have easily regretted not building the temple, but God sends them a wake-up call out of their complacency. And so they begin to build the temple again. So this is where I want to close this morning. So I'm going to ask Barb, would you play for us for just a few moments? But think of the regrets that these people, the Israelites, could have felt about having not built the temple. Okay, so the temple they're going to build becomes the setting for God's holy people. It becomes the place where Jesus is dedicated. The temple that they build is the place that Simeon in Luke chapter 2 prophesied about eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah." [01:01:54](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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