North Charlottesville church of Christ

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Haggai 3

Martin Adams
02/09/25 - Sun AM

Series: The Book of Haggai

Meeting Purpose

To complete the study of the book of Haggai and prepare to begin studying Malachi next week.

Key Takeaways

• Haggai's focused message was "build the temple" - he repeatedly exhorted the people to complete this task over a 4-month period

• The people needed a "booster shot" of godliness and reminders of the importance of purification/holiness after 16 years of delay

• Haggai was successful because he: 1) Started with the leaders, 2) Had a clear, singular focus, 3) Gave credit to God

Topics

Context and Timeline

• This lesson covers the 3rd and 4th sermons in Haggai chapter 2

• Set ~16 years after remnant returned to Jerusalem; temple foundation laid but no progress for 14 years

• Haggai preaching alongside Zechariah; Ezra also addressing issues like mixed marriages

Third Sermon (Haggai 2:10-19)

• Purpose: Remind people of need for purification/holiness to work on God's holy temple

• Uses two rhetorical questions to make point:

  1. Can holiness make the unclean holy? (No)

  2. Can uncleanness make the holy unclean? (Yes)

• Key phrase: "From this day on I will bless you" (v.19) - promise of reward for renewed obedience

Fourth Sermon (Haggai 2:20-23)

• Given same day as third sermon

• Message of assurance that they're on right track

• Honors Zerubbabel as chosen leader, comparing him to a "signet ring"

• Matthew 1:12 shows Zerubbabel in lineage of Jesus - great honor

Haggai's Effectiveness

• Accomplished goal in just 4 months

• Ezra 5:1-2, 6:14-15 credit Haggai's prophecies for motivating successful completion

• Demonstrates no task from God is impossible if approached with faith and obedience

Next Steps

• Begin studying the book of Malachi next week

• Apply lessons on faith, obedience, and following God's priorities to our own lives