Rebuilding Priorities: God's Call to Community Faithfulness
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our summer series through the Minor Prophets, focusing on the book of Haggai. This book addresses the question, "Where is God in the community?" Haggai, a prophet, speaks to the Jewish remnant returning to a destroyed Jerusalem after 70 years of Babylonian captivity. The people are tasked with rebuilding the temple, but they prioritize their own homes instead. Haggai delivers four messages over four months, urging them to prioritize God's house and reminding them of the consequences of their neglect.
The first message highlights the people's misplaced priorities. They live in luxurious homes while God's house lies in ruins, leading to poor harvests and economic hardship. Haggai calls them to rebuild the temple, and they respond positively, beginning the work. The second message addresses the disappointment of those who remember Solomon's grand temple. Haggai reassures them that their efforts are significant and that God is on a mission to reconcile people to Himself.
The third message uses a metaphor about holiness and defilement to illustrate the people's unfaithfulness. Haggai calls them to repent and live faithfully, emphasizing that their actions impact future generations. The final message points to a future day of the Lord, a time of ultimate salvation and restoration.
For us today, the book of Haggai challenges our individualistic mindset. It calls us to prioritize communal worship and active participation in God's mission. We are reminded that our obedience is crucial for advancing God's kingdom. The book encourages us to focus on the future glory and to remain resilient in difficult times, knowing that God is with us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Prioritize Spiritual Commitments: Haggai challenges us to place spiritual responsibilities above personal and material pursuits. Just as the Israelites were called to prioritize rebuilding the temple, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God and our involvement in the faith community. This means making time for worship, prayer, and service, even when it requires personal sacrifice. [15:33]
2. Obedience and Blessing: The book of Haggai illustrates the direct link between obedience to God and receiving His blessings. While this was specific to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, it reminds us that our faithfulness to God is crucial. We may not always see immediate material blessings, but our obedience brings spiritual growth and aligns us with God's will. [12:46]
3. Resilience and Hope: Haggai's messages offer encouragement during difficult times. God is with His people through hardships, and there is a promised future of restoration and glory. This hope sustains us, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary and that God is working towards a greater purpose. [16:46]
4. Communal Responsibility: The book emphasizes the importance of communal worship and collective responsibility. In a society that often values individualism, Haggai calls us to think communally, to support and uplift one another, and to work together for the betterment of the faith community. This collective effort strengthens our witness and impact. [30:10]
5. Active Participation in God's Mission: Haggai reminds us that God's work is accomplished through the obedience of His people. We are called to actively participate in His mission, whether it's alleviating poverty, feeding the hungry, or sharing the gospel. Our faith is not just a personal journey but a communal effort to bring God's kingdom on earth. [40:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:33] - Introduction to Haggai
[12:46] - Historical Context
[14:10] - The Return from Exile
[15:33] - First Message: Prioritize God's House
[16:46] - Second Message: Encouragement in Building
[18:14] - Third Message: Holiness and Defilement
[19:38] - Fourth Message: Future Glory
[20:50] - Application for Today
[22:09] - Communal vs. Individualistic Societies
[23:32] - Obedience and Future Generations
[24:57] - The Ultimate Day of the Lord
[26:14] - Questions for Reflection
[27:26] - Individualism in Modern Faith
[28:47] - Strong Link vs. Weak Link Sports
[30:10] - Communal Responsibility in Faith
[31:32] - Key Takeaways for the Israelites
[32:50] - Application for Modern Christians
[34:09] - The Role of the Church
[35:22] - Sports Analogies and Faith
[37:53] - The Importance of Community
[39:29] - Active Participation in God's Mission
[40:47] - Real Faith Works
[41:42] - Extreme Example of Faith
[42:23] - Being a Friendly and Generous Church
[43:02] - Resilience and Hope
[43:42] - God with Us in Hardships
[44:21] - Simple Sermon: Prioritize God and His People
[45:09] - Join God in Building His Promise
[45:50] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Haggai 1:2-11 (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.” This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”
2. Haggai 2:3-9 (NIV)
> ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ 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. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”
3. Haggai 2:10-19 (NIV)
> On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Haggai: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Ask the priests what the law says: If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated?’” The priests answered, “No.” Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?” “Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.” Then Haggai said, “‘So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the Lord. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled. Now give careful thought to this from this day on—consider how things were before one stone was laid on another in the Lord’s temple. When anyone came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When anyone went to a wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were only twenty. I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not return to me,’ declares the Lord. ‘From this day on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid. Give careful thought: Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. From this day on I will bless you.’”
### Observation Questions
1. What were the people of Israel prioritizing over rebuilding the temple according to Haggai 1:2-11?
2. How does Haggai 2:3-9 address the feelings of those who remembered the former glory of Solomon's temple?
3. What metaphor does Haggai use in Haggai 2:10-19 to illustrate the people's unfaithfulness and its consequences?
4. What promises does God make about the future glory of the temple in Haggai 2:3-9?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the people of Israel were more focused on their own homes rather than rebuilding the temple? How does this reflect on their spiritual priorities? [15:33]
2. How does the promise of future glory in Haggai 2:3-9 serve as an encouragement to the people despite their current struggles? [16:46]
3. What does the metaphor of holiness and defilement in Haggai 2:10-19 teach us about the impact of sin on communal worship and service? [18:14]
4. How does the communal responsibility emphasized in Haggai challenge our modern individualistic mindset? [30:10]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are prioritizing personal comfort over your spiritual commitments? How can you realign these priorities to focus more on God and His mission? [15:33]
2. In what ways can you contribute to the communal worship and mission of your faith community? Are there specific actions you can take to support and uplift others in your church? [30:10]
3. How do you handle feelings of disappointment when your efforts seem insignificant compared to past achievements or expectations? How can Haggai's message of future glory encourage you in these moments? [16:46]
4. Consider the metaphor of holiness and defilement in Haggai 2:10-19. Are there areas of unfaithfulness in your life that might be affecting your spiritual growth and the community around you? What steps can you take to address these? [18:14]
5. How can you actively participate in God's mission in your daily life? Identify one specific way you can serve others or share the gospel this week. [40:47]
6. Think about a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did your faith sustain you during that period? How can the message of resilience and hope in Haggai help you in current or future struggles? [43:42]
7. How can you foster a sense of communal responsibility within your family, workplace, or church? What practical steps can you take to encourage a more collective mindset in these areas? [30:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritize Spiritual Commitments
The book of Haggai challenges us to place spiritual responsibilities above personal and material pursuits. Just as the Israelites were called to prioritize rebuilding the temple, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God and our involvement in the faith community. This means making time for worship, prayer, and service, even when it requires personal sacrifice. The Israelites faced economic hardship because they neglected God's house, and Haggai's message was a call to realign their priorities. Today, we are reminded that our spiritual commitments should take precedence over our personal comforts and ambitions. [15:33]
Haggai 1:4-6 (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. 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 personal or material pursuits are currently taking priority over your spiritual commitments? How can you realign your daily schedule to make more time for God?
Day 2: Obedience and Blessing
The book of Haggai illustrates the direct link between obedience to God and receiving His blessings. While this was specific to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, it reminds us that our faithfulness to God is crucial. We may not always see immediate material blessings, but our obedience brings spiritual growth and aligns us with God's will. The Israelites experienced poor harvests and economic difficulties because they neglected God's commands. Haggai's message was clear: obedience to God leads to His favor and blessings, even if they are not always material. [12:46]
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (ESV): "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with obedience to God? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will?
Day 3: Resilience and Hope
Haggai's messages offer encouragement during difficult times. God is with His people through hardships, and there is a promised future of restoration and glory. This hope sustains us, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary and that God is working towards a greater purpose. The Israelites were disheartened by the modest beginnings of the new temple compared to Solomon's grand temple, but Haggai reassured them that their efforts were significant and that God was with them. This message of resilience and hope is crucial for us today as we face our own challenges. [16:46]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What current struggles are you facing that seem overwhelming? How can the promise of God's presence and future restoration give you hope and strength today?
Day 4: Communal Responsibility
The book of Haggai emphasizes the importance of communal worship and collective responsibility. In a society that often values individualism, Haggai calls us to think communally, to support and uplift one another, and to work together for the betterment of the faith community. The Israelites were called to rebuild the temple together, and their collective effort was crucial for their spiritual renewal. Today, we are reminded that our faith journey is not just personal but also communal, and we have a responsibility to support and strengthen our faith community. [30:10]
1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (ESV): "That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the well-being and spiritual growth of your faith community? What specific actions can you take to support and uplift others in your church?
Day 5: Active Participation in God's Mission
Haggai reminds us that God's work is accomplished through the obedience of His people. We are called to actively participate in His mission, whether it's alleviating poverty, feeding the hungry, or sharing the gospel. Our faith is not just a personal journey but a communal effort to bring God's kingdom on earth. The Israelites were tasked with rebuilding the temple as a part of God's mission to reconcile people to Himself. Today, we are called to be active participants in God's mission, using our gifts and resources to serve others and advance His kingdom. [40:47]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What specific mission or service opportunity is God calling you to participate in? How can you use your gifts and resources to actively contribute to God's work in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The good news is the people respond really well. They stop what they're doing, and they all begin to build the house of the Lord together. And God is pleased." [19:38] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is with his people during the hardships. That is one of the big distinctions that Christianity fights, is God doesn't promise to take us out of the struggles. God promises to be with us through the struggles." [43:42] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to encourage you to prioritize God and his people and join him today in building his promise tomorrow. Prioritize God and his people. And so I want you to put God first in your life because I believe that that is what is best for you." [45:09] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "No matter what hardship you are facing right now, no matter how bad your family is right now, no matter how hard your health situation is right now, you are not alone and there is a brighter, better promised future. And you can hold on to that because God keeps his promises." [44:21] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Haggai is supposed to be interpreted and obeyed inside an entire society. He wasn't talking to individuals per se. He was talking to people. He was talking to the society, which is made up of individuals, but they're not their own people. They are part of the society." [30:10] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What if viewing spirituality exclusively as an individual exercise is somewhere between incomplete and inaccurate? These are questions I'm wrestling with all week as I've been looking at this." [34:09] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "One of the challenges from Haggai that is applicable today is to remember that the obedience of God's people is one of the ways that God has chosen to accomplish his work and advance his kingdom in his world." [40:47] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We will only be a friendly church if every person that's sitting here and hearing me is friendly to the person next to them, and especially the one they don't recognize. We will only be a generous church if each person here gives of their time and their talents and their money." [42:23] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In a communal society, you are a part of the whole. You are defined by your relationships. You have a shared identity and unity and you have a collective responsibility. You work for the betterment of the whole community and each person taking care of each other and expecting them to do the same." [28:47] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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