Believers’ Participation in God’s Ongoing Work

Bible Passage: Haggai 1:1-15; Philippians 2:21

The expression “The Word of the LORD” demands hearers’ prompt attention: LISTEN and OBEY (anything less than prompt “obedience” amounts to casualness towards the one who speaks) (1:1)

I. The LORD was upset with the people of Judah because they came from Babylon to Jerusalem for a purpose, but they began to be preoccupied with a different one (1:2-4)

1. About sixteen years the work had not progressed

2. Apathy? Selfishness?

3. Waiting for a conducive environment?

4. The expression “this people” demonstrates God’s displeasure with them (this people vs. my people)

5. To leave the place half done, abandoned expresses a disrespect for the one who is supposed to be living in the “House”

6. People were concerned about a wrong house (their house vs. the LORD’s House)

7. Callousness over the matters of God

II. To correct their neglect of God’s interest and misplaced priorities, God caused economic misfortunes (1:5-6, 9-11)

III. God intended their situation to remain unchanged until they fixed their attitude of neglect and misplaced priorities (1:7-11)

1. When people of Judah place God’s interest as their priority, God would reverse their predicament (1:8)

2. It is through corporate hard work and participation God’s work is supposed to be carried out (1:8)

3. For their personal interest, they put in so much hard work, but when it came to the Lord’s work they took it lightly

4. The Lord is pleased and honored when His people participate in what is important to Him (1:8)

IV. The people of Judah responded with prompt obedience and prioritized LORD’s interest (1:12)

V. There was 100% participation: Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the entire community (1:14) (check the word “whole)

VI. Though the task was humanly insurmountable, God promises to be with them (1:13; cf. Matthew 28:20b)

VII. Paul expresses a genuine disappointment with Christians as unreliable (Philippians 2:21)

1. Selfish interest

2. Unwilling to participate in difficult jobs

3. Not having proper team chemistry

4. Relegating the work to some professionals when it is intended for all

VIII. Timothy played a key role in Paul’s ministry (Philippians 2:21-24)

Take Away

Identify the area at the Crossroad Church where you will serve God with your best efforts