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BUILDING THE HOUSE OF GOD

Thesis: To teach the hearer the importance of always being about the work of the Lord, 1 Cor 15:58.

Text: Haggai 1:1-6; 2:3-9

Introduction,
1. Today we will be looking at the book of Haggai, his name means “Joyous one” or “Festive one,” some think that this denotes he may have been born during one of the Jewish festivals.

2. He did his work in the year 520 BC, in the 2nd year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia (1:1), he is one of the 3 post Babylonian exilic prophets (Haggai, Zechariah; Malachi), actually the prophet Zechariah joined up with Haggai some 2 months after he started to work (Zech 1:1), and they worked together to accomplish God’s will concerning the remnant (about 50,000) of the Jewish nation (Ezra 5:1), which were allowed to return to their homeland after 70 years and rebuild their city and the temple by way of the decree of Cyrus, whose spirit was stirred up by Jehovah (2 Chro 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2).

3. And that task to which Haggai and Zechariah were called to do was to get the people to rebuild the temple that was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC.

4. What took place thus far in our context is that the people were allowed to return to rebuild, they set up the altar, restored proper worship, and laid the foundation for the temple, but when the psuedo worshippers of Jehovah (i.e. the Samaritans, who came about through the implanting of pagans by the Assyrians; 1 Ki 17:24-41), attempted to join in with them, they were refused by the Jews for their mixing of paganism with the worship of Jehovah, thus they troubled their rebuilding efforts personally, and through the governing authorities. We need to remember that the Jews were attempting to keep their religion pure for they just spent the last 70 years in captivity because of their own mixing of idolatry with the pure worship of Jehovah, let us keep this in mind the simplicity of worship in Christ, and keeping it that way in the sight of God, Whose attitudes and views do not change (Mal 3:6; Ja 1:17).

5. With only the altar set up, foundation of the temple laid, and the former temple in shambles, the work ceased for some 16 years, thus God sent Haggai and Zechariah to rebuke them for their neglecting the work ordered of God, to encourage them to return to and finish the work, and to give them hope of a future reward (which was ultimately fulfilled in Christ and His church) in order that they would be fervent and also obedient, continuing in the work of the LORD then and in times to come.

6. The same can basically be seen today, the house of God, the temple of God, the church, is basically in shambles, and is corrupting more and more even as each and every day goes by, yet that foundation has been laid, which is Jesus Christ the Lord (1 Cor 3:11), but when one looks around at our religious neighbors, one sees that foundation, but almost every one has built something different upon it, and with the NT, the completed revelation of God (Jude 3), which clearly lays out that one Faith (Eph 4:5), at our disposal, this ought not be.

7. Therefore in this lesson we will focus on “rebuilding the house of God” and with that in mind we will look at . . .
1) The “Rebuke” (Haggai 1:1-6)
2) The “Reassurance” (Haggai 2:3-5)
3) And the “Reward” (Haggai 2:6-9) concerning the rebuilding of the house of God.

I. GOD’S “REBUKE” CONCERNING THE REBUILDING OF THE HOUSE OF GOD (Haggai 1:1-6)

A. (1:1-2)

Hag 1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, Hag 1:2 Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, This people say, It is not the time for us to come, the time for Jehovah's house to be built.

These events took place in the year 520 BC, during the 2nd year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia, it has been 16 years since the Jews were troubled and ceased to work on their rebuilding efforts purposed of God, therefore God sent the prophet Haggai to get them back on track.

1. Note that Jehovah refers to the Jews as “this people” opposed to “My people” seeing that they were no longer doing God’s will concerning this matter, they were no longer consider “God’s people,” the same can be said for us today (2 John 9a).

2Jo 1:9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching (doctrine) of Christ, hath not God.

2. Also notice why the people are not doing God’s will, they said “it is not the time for us to come.”

a. It may have been that they were calculating Jeremiah’s prophecies concerning the 70 year captivity (Jer 25:11-12; 29:10) and applying it to the rebuilding of the temple figuring they had 4 more years to go, but to me it seems more like they were procrastinating concerning the will of the LORD and taking the easy way out, seeing that they were “troubled” in the LORD’S work.

b. They and we need to understand that there will always be trouble when one does the work of the LORD (2 Tim 3:12).

2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

c. But that ought not to discourage our efforts, nor our consistency, for God’s work is to be continually being done by His people, knowing it is never in vain (1 Cor 15:58). 1Co 15:58 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

B. (1:3-4)

Hag 1:3 Then came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet, saying, Hag 1:4 Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your ceiled houses, while this house lieth waste?

Then Jehovah brings forth His rebuke, it was time for “them” to dwell in “their” ceiled houses, which were finely finished and paneled, while His house, the house of the Creator and Sustainer of all, lies in waste!

1. This shows us the root of the problem “selfishness,” this is the root of all sin, and is the drawing device which Satan uses in the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

a. This is why people give a small percentage of their monies to the work of the LORD, while they scrimp and save to take luxurious, expensive vacations in order that they might have some time for themselves to relax.

b. This is why people say little to nothing concerning God’s truth to those that they know to be in error, basically patting them on the back as they walk down that broad path to hell, while they (seemingly in secret) are walking the narrow way, does this get by God unnoticed?

c. Rather we ought to be thinking about how “much,” not how “little” we can give in time and monies to promote that one truth, and we ought to be bold yet kind and bring forth God’s biblical plan for mankind, always and fervently, even though it may be hard for “us,” for ultimately it will be harder for “them,” this would be pleasing in God’s eyes, which miss nothing we do or don’t do (Heb 4:13).

Heb 4:13 And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

C. (1:5)

Hag 1:5 Now therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Consider your ways.

With these things brought forth the people were told to “consider their ways” they were to take a close look at themselves in view of God’s will, instead of their own will.

1. We also need to look at ourselves, have we obeyed the gospel (Rom 10:16)? And we continuing to obey the gospel (Rom 11:22), are we walking in the light as He is in the light (Ps 119:105;1 John 1:7), or are we just fooling ourselves, for we are not fooling Him, Paul wrote (2 Cor 13:5).

2Co 13:5 Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate (a castaway).

D. (1:6)

Hag 1:6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

They were able to furnish themselves with fine houses, yet beyond that, most of their endeavors fell short of what they expected, and God here is telling them it is because of their selfishness.

1. This is based upon one of God’s immutable laws (Gal 6:7-9; 2 Cor 9:6).

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Gal 6:8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.

2Co 9:6 But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

a. We really don’t know what or how God works in His providence (Deut 29:29).

Deu 29:29 The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

b. But I assure you He does work, whether it be to test us, or to bless us.

2. Of course our focus is not to be so much on the physical as was national Israel, in spiritual Israel we are to use physical things for spiritual benefits (Mt 6:19-21).

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: Mat 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Mat 6:21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.

3. We need to keep in mind that these lessons taught us in the OT oftentimes are physical in nature, and are simply shadows of the true treasures (Heb 10:1a), for God is attempting to get us to think like Him, and to be like Him, in order that we can forever, be with Him (Rev 21:1-3).

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God:

4. We need also to keep in mind that God does not change (Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8; Ja 1:17), if He “rebuked” them for neglecting the building of the house of God, even in the face of trouble, how does He look at us today in our comforts in America, seeing the current state of the church; therefore let us be “steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord., holding forth the word of life, shining as lights in this sin darkened world”

II. GOD’S “REASSURANCE” CONCERNING THE REBUILDING OF THE HOUSE OF GOD (Haggai 2:3-5)

A. (2:3)

Hag 2:3 Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing?

In the last half of Haggai chapter one, we learn that the people obeyed the voice of the LORD and began the work commanded of God, from Josephus we learn that Zerubbabel’s temple was roughly half the size of Solomon’s.

1. Apparently some of the workers were aware of the great difference between the 2 and perhaps became discouraged.

a. We in like manner, when we see the large congregations boasted by our religious neighbors, and some of our more liberal brethren we may also become discouraged, but that is not God’s will, we need keep in mind some of the spiritual principles by which we are to live (2 Cor 12:9-10; 1 Cor 1:27-28).

2Co 12:9 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Co 12:10 Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

1Co 1:27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; 1Co 1:28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:

b. Keeping these sorts of things in mind will keep us where God wants us to be concerning our attitudes, always committing ourselves to Him, remaining faithful, even when things look bad.

B. (2:4-5)

Hag 2:4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts, Hag 2:5 according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you: fear ye not.

In Ezra chapter 5 we learn that the people started the work of rebuilding, a letter was sent to Darius king of Persia, the decree of Cyrus was found, and the work was permitted, and even aided financially by the king.

1. Therefore, even though to the people, the temple may have seemed lesser, the LORD urged them to “be strong,” “and work,” “for I am with you,” through the work of His inspired prophets, and providentially.

a. God also urges us along, and tries to shift our attentions more to that of a spiritual nature, that which passes away not, with the passing of time, there where the real battles are taking place (Eph 6:10-12; 2 Cor 10:3-5).

Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 2Co 10:4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), 2Co 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

b. We are to work, building the spiritual temple, the church, the house of the living God according to the pattern of sound words revealed in the NT (2 Tim 1:13; Mt 28:19-20).

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you . . .

c. And if we do this accordingly, God (Father, Son and Spirit, the Godhead) abides with us (John 14:23).

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

d. What could be more “reassuring” than having Creator and Sustainer of the universe abiding with us, what is there to fear even when it seems like most are against us (Ps 27:1; Phili 4:13)?

Psa 27:1 Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Phi 4:13 I can do all things in him (Christ) that strengtheneth me.

e. God’s word will do the work (Heb 4:12), we just need to bring it forth in word and in deed, in other words, in every aspect of our lives (Isa 55:11)

Isa 55:11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

III. GOD’S “REWARD” CONCERNING THE REBULDING OF THE HOUSE OF GOD (Haggai 2:6-9)

A. (2:6-7)

Hag 2:6 For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; Hag 2:7 and I will shake all nations; and the precious things of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts.

The “shaking” here refers to the upheaval of kingdoms through the working of God, It is He Who is in control of nations, both bad and good (Dan 4:32b).

Dan 4:32a the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.

Rom 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (ESV)

1. God brought about and took down the Assyrians, Babylonians, the Medes, the Greeks and the Romans, all according to the prophesied written in Daniel 2, which ultimately lead to the establishing of the Messiah’s kingdom, the church, the house of the living God (Dan 2:44) . . .

Dan 2:44 And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

2. And also God, through the nations, would supply the physical materials which were needed to rebuild Zerubbabel’s temple.

a. And God would in like manner, when the church was established, call people, both rich and poor out of the world through the gospel (2 Thess 2:14; 1 Thess 2:12).

2Th 2:14 whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Th 2:12 to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.

b. And their physical resources would be God’s, to accomplish that which He promised to those that seek first the kingdom of God (Mt 6:33)

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (And they were; Acts 4:34-35) . . .

Act 4:34 For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, Act 4:35 and laid them at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need.

c. These same types of things are to be taking place today, because . . .

B. (2:8)

Hag 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts.

The bible plainly teaches that all that exists is God’s (Ps 24:1; 50:10-12).

Psa 24:1 The earth is Jehovah's, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.

Psa 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills. Psa 50:11 I know all the birds of the mountains; And the wild beasts of the field are mine. Psa 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

1. We (mankind) have been merely been given dominion (Gen 1:26), a stewardship, yet always with His will in mind (Col 1:16).

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

a. Yet we need to remember what “His will” is, and make it our own (1 Tim 2:4; Gal 6:10).

1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

b. We need to keep in mind “His motivation,” and make that also our own (John 3:16; 14:15).

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son . . .

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.

c. Doing God’s will, God’s way (1 Cor 1:21b; 2 Tim 4:2).

1Co 1:21b it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.

2Ti 4:2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 2Ti 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

d. Most today will not endure the truth, they are looking for what they “want” to hear, not what they “need” to hear, yet our job is to lay that truth at as many feet as possible, for there are a few that are truly seeking that difficult way that leads to life (Mt 7:14), let us show them the glory of gospel which leads to eternal life.

C. (2:9)

Hag 2:9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Zerubbabel’s temple was pillaged in the Maccabean times and rebuilt under Herod in the times of Christ to a greater degree, but it never was physically as large or ornate as Solomon’s, thus this cannot refer to the physical temple in Jerusalem, but rather to the church, in which God is its glory (2 Cor 6:16; 2 Pet 2:5; Eph 2:19-21).

2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

1Pe 2:5 ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Eph 2:19 So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, Eph 2:20 being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; Eph 2:21 in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; Eph 2:22 in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.

1. And the temple of God was indeed built through the miraculous working of the Spirit in the 1st century.

a. The apostles and NT prophets delivered and confirmed “all the truth” (John 16:13).

b. It (the faith) has once and for all time been delivered (Jude 3), God’s plan of salvation, how Christians are to live holy lives in a sinful world, the organization, worship, and work of the church.

c. And the things of the spiritual realms have been more fully revealed (such as Hades, Heaven and Hell).

d. And the things to come have been revealed (John 16:13), the destruction of Jerusalem, the 2nd coming of Christ, the Judgment, and the final abode of the lost and the redeemed.

e. Where ultimately God Himself will be its temple and glory (Rev 21:23).

Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God the Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple thereof. Rev 21:23 And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.

f. And these workings of the Spirit in the temple, the church, and the results brought about through Him are certainly more glorious than anything of a physical nature (such as these physical temples) could ever be (2 Cor 4:18-5:1).

2Co 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Co 5:1 For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.

2. And in this place, the church, God’s eternal purpose, is where the true peace is found. a. Peace between men and men in and out of the church, as much as is within your abilities as you remain faithful unto God (Rom 12:17-18; Luke 2:14; ASV).

Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

b. Peace between God and men (Rom 5:10), that barrier of sin is broken down by the gospel of Christ.

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him. Rom 5:10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life; Rom 5:11 and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

c. And that reconciliation to God produces the kind of peace that surpasses the understanding of those who do not posses it (Phili 4:7); this is the “reward” of those that are faithfully, continually, building the house of God.

d. And how is this peace initially appropriated? The same way is has been for almost 2,000 years.

One must . . .
Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17); Remember, “. . . God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal 6:7) We must teach and preach the pure doctrine of Christ, without additions not subtractions “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” not the word of men Holding fast to the word of life, which is able to save your souls (Ja 1:21)

One must . . .
Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6), one must constantly be in a asking, seeking, and knocking mode.

One must . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) living by faith (according to God’s word; Rom 10:17), not as the world lives.

One must . . .
Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), initially and while you fulfill God’s will for all men to hear the good news concerning Christ and His Gospel through your words and deeds (Phili 2:15-16; Mt 5:16)

One must . . .
Be baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to the one body (1 Cor 12:13).

And finally one must . . .
And live a faithful and holy life (1 Pet 1:15), as the good ground (Luke 8:15), determined to follow God’s instructions, that difficult way, whatever the cost may be (Rev 2:10), for it is worth all that and more, always abounding in the work of the Lord, building the house of God according to that divine pattern revealed in the NT (2 Tim 1:13), knowing that your labors are never in vain “in the Lord” (John 6:27)

Joh 6:27 Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.


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