Nothing is more effective [understanding divine election] in killing human pride and promoting godly humility and granting insight into the nature of God and inflaming the heart in worship.
Sam Storms

Exhortation To Rebuild Hag

Exhortation To Rebuild Hag

HAGGAI 1:1-15
EXHORTATION TO REBUILD
INTRODUCTION: (Taken from, “An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets”, Freeman, Moody Press, 1968) A. The book was written in the fall of 520 B.C. B. Purpose of the book was to encourage rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem 1. First people return from exile in 536 B.C. 2. Ezra 2 tells that 42,360 people (plus 7337 servants) returned 3. The altar of burnt offering was set up (Ezra 3:2 ff) 4. The foundation of the temple was laid in the second year of their return (Ezra 3:8-13) 5. Samaritans convinced Persia to stop the building for a period of 16 years (Ezra 4:24) 6. Darius (Ezra 6:7) decreed that the work was not to be hindered in any way C. Haggai preached that the people should begin work in the year 520 B.C. (finished four years later, 516 B.C.)

I. THE REBUKE OF INDIFFERENCE (vv. 1-4)

  1. Why does the Eternal God emphasize finite time? (v.1)
  2. Does God direct our lives through leaders today? (v.1)
  3. How much time/money is appropriate to give to God? (v.4)
  4. Is it wrong to build a nice home for ourself? (v.4)
  5. What are some the ways that God’s house “lie[s] waste” today? (v.4)

II. GOD’S CHASTISEMENT (vv. 5-6)

  1. To “consider” means to think about in order to decide. What would God have us to decide about today? (v.5)
  2. Are a person’s actions and his circumstances related?
  3. How can one know whether hardships are a result of sin?
  4. What, if any, are God’s laws for finance? (v. 6)

III. EXHORTATION TO REBUILD (vv. 7-11)

  1. How can one know what to expect God to perform and what they should do for themselves? (v.8)
  2. Is it possible for us to bring glory to God in EVERYTHING we do? (v.8)
  3. Should one set goals that are high? (v. 9)
  4. Is God responsible for drought (v.10)
  5. Should children suffer for parent’s sins? (v.11)
  6. Why is Africa suffering drought and we do not?

IV. THE RESULT OF THE PROPHET’S APPEAL (vv. 12-15)

  1. If our leaders obeyed God would our nation follow? (v.12)
  2. Are we responsible for everything that preachers say?
  3. Is God “with us” ONLY when we serve Him? (v.13)
  4. What value is the good works of people whom God has NOT “stirred up” their spirit? (v.14)
  5. Does God accept our “delayed” response? (v.15)

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