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)

A. Why does the Eternal God emphasize finite time? (v.1)

B. Does God direct our lives through leaders today? (v.1)

C. How much time/money is appropriate to give to God? (v.4)

D. Is it wrong to build a nice home for ourself? (v.4)

E. What are some the ways that God's house "lie[s] waste"

today? (v.4)

II. GOD'S CHASTISEMENT (vv. 5-6)

A. To "consider" means to think about in order to decide.

What would God have us to decide about today? (v.5)

B. Are a person's actions and his circumstances related?

C. How can one know whether hardships are a result of sin?

D. What, if any, are God's laws for finance? (v. 6)

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

A. How can one know what to expect God to perform and what

they should do for themselves? (v.8)

C. Is it possible for us to bring glory to God in

EVERYTHING we do? (v.8)

D. Should one set goals that are high? (v. 9)

E. Is God responsible for drought (v.10)

F. Should children suffer for parent's sins? (v.11)

G. Why is Africa suffering drought and we do not?

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

A. If our leaders obeyed God would our nation follow? (v.12)

B. Are we responsible for everything that preachers say?

C. Is God "with us" ONLY when we serve Him? (v.13)

D. What value is the good works of people whom God has NOT

"stirred up" their spirit? (v.14)

E. Does God accept our "delayed" response? (v.15)

---

Index of Preacher's Help and Notes

These documents are free from BelieversCafe.com, the complete christian resource site with more than 5000 webpages.