Union Church of Christ

Haggai

Introduction

1. The Babylonian captivity was behind the children of Israel and Cyrus had decreed that the Temple be rebuilt.
2. Yet 16 years had passed and the Temple was yet unfinished.
3. It was at this time that God sent the prophet Haggai - a contemporary with Zechariah and Ezra (Ezra 1-6 serves as the background of the prophet Haggai).
4. The principles that Haggai stresses to spur the people to rebuild the Temple also are necessary if we are to build up the church - note four questions that Haggai raises.

Discussion

1. 1:4 - Priorities
   1. Haggai 1:6-9.
      1. v. 6 - a live without God is a bag with holes.
      2. Matthew 6:33.
      3. v. 9 - Trust in and dependence upon self will come to naught.
   2. The temple that they finally built outlasted them all - we must realize that the work that we are doing is for the future - ultimately, eternity.
2. 2:3 - Perspective
   1. "us/them."
   2. v. 4 - be strong (opposition from Gentiles/Samaritans).
   3. v. 5 - do not fear (according to my word).
   4. v. 6-9 - God is in control.
   5. Matthew 16:18.
   6. Revelation 2 & 3 - he that overcometh.
   7. 1 John 4:4; 5:4.
3. 2:12, 13 - Purity
   1. We will never succeed unless we are PURE.
   2. Joshua 7 - the defeat at Ai.
   3. 1 Corinthians 10:20, 21.
   4. Matthew 12:30.
   5. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
4. 2:19 - Performance
   1. James 1:2-25.
   2. Luke 6:46.
   3. Matthew 7:21-23.
   4. If we are going to build up the church, we must do the work!
   5. We can plan and talk and discuss, but the time comes when we must DO!
   6. Philippians 4:19.

Conclusion

1. Will you be among those who build up the church?