Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: Haggai 2:1-5
Sermon Title: Be Strong and Work
Haggai 2:1-5 (NIV)
1 on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai:
2 “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak,[a] the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them,
3 ‘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?
4 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.
5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’
2 “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak,[a] the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them,
3 ‘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?
4 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.
5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’
First Thoughts
What happens when people in the church choose to live in the past?
Timing
The events of Haggai 2:1-5 occur at the end of the Feast of Booths.
This would have again reminded them of God’s faithfulness and goodness.
God often reminds us of his plan by using unique methods.
Disappointment/Excitement
In verse 3, we learn that these people worried their temple would not be enough.
We tend to romanticize the past, but we also tend to settle for mediocrity.
This verse is a warning against discouragement for those who serve God.
Be Strong and Work
Verses 4 and 5 show us how to handle discouragement and negative energy.
The workers are told to be strong and work hard.
They are also reminded that God is with us always.
God has called FIFBC to accomplish a huge task.
As we do the work, the Holy Spirit brings the energy, conviction, and focus.
Final Thoughts
Numbers 12 tells the story of Caleb, who trusted in God and did the work.
Are you giving your best to The Master?
Courageous churches do big things, while timid and lazy churches fade away.
We should pray for strength while we trust in the Lord.
What happens when people in the church choose to live in the past?
Timing
The events of Haggai 2:1-5 occur at the end of the Feast of Booths.
This would have again reminded them of God’s faithfulness and goodness.
God often reminds us of his plan by using unique methods.
Disappointment/Excitement
In verse 3, we learn that these people worried their temple would not be enough.
We tend to romanticize the past, but we also tend to settle for mediocrity.
This verse is a warning against discouragement for those who serve God.
Be Strong and Work
Verses 4 and 5 show us how to handle discouragement and negative energy.
The workers are told to be strong and work hard.
They are also reminded that God is with us always.
God has called FIFBC to accomplish a huge task.
As we do the work, the Holy Spirit brings the energy, conviction, and focus.
Final Thoughts
Numbers 12 tells the story of Caleb, who trusted in God and did the work.
Are you giving your best to The Master?
Courageous churches do big things, while timid and lazy churches fade away.
We should pray for strength while we trust in the Lord.