Thesis: To teach the hearer the importance of “always abounding in the work of the Lord,” 1 Cor 15:58, realizing that whatever we do in word or in deed, we do “all” in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col 3:17).
Text: Haggai 1:1-6; 2:3-9
Introduction,
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.
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), who were allowed to return to their homeland after 70 years of captivity and rebuild their city and the temple by way of the decree of Cyrus, whose spirit was stirred up by the LORD (2 Chro 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2; Isa 44:28ff; 140 yrs prior).
And that task to which Haggai and Zechariah were called to do was to ensure that the people would indeed rebuild the temple that was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. Why? Because the Lord Jesus was to come there fulfilling and bringing forth even more prophecies.
What took place thus far in our context is that through the working of God 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 false 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 because of their mixing of paganism with the worship of the LORD, then, in response to that, they (the Samaritans) troubled the rebuilding efforts personally, and through the governing authorities.
We need to remember that the Jews were attempting to keep their covenant pure, because they just spent the last 70 years in captivity because of their own mixing of idolatry with the pure worship of the LORD. Let us keep in mind the simplicity of the worship we partake of in Christ (2 Cor 11:3), we observe the Lord’s supper, we pray, we sing, we give, teach and learn, and this is to be in spirit and truth (John 4:24), from our hearts (Rom 2:29), and according to the truth of the gospel (Gal 2:5, 14; Eph 1:13; Col 1:6), not according to the shadows of the old law (Heb 10:1; ESV), and we need to keep it that way before the eyes of our all seeing God (Heb 4:13), Whose attitudes and views do not change with the passing of time (Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8; Ja 1:17).
With only the altar set up, foundation of the temple laid, and the former temple in shambles, the work ceased because of this troubling for some 16 years, therefore God sent Haggai and Zechariah to rebuke them for their neglecting the work ordered of Him, 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.
The same can basically be seen today, the house of God, the church (1 Tim 3:15) the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16), God’s building (1 Cor 3:9) 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), and when one looks around at the various denominations, we see that foundation (Christ), but almost every one has built something different upon it, and with the NT, the completed revelation of God (Jude 3), at our disposal, which clearly and specifically lays out the one Faith (Eph 4:5), this ought not be.
Therefore in this lesson we will focus on the “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. (Hag 1:1-2)
Hag 1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest:
Hag 1:2 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."
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 thus 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 God refers to the Jews as “these (this) people” as opposed to “My people”, seeing that they were no longer doing God’s will concerning this matter, they were no longer considered “God’s people,” the same can be said for us today (2 John 9) . . .
2Jn 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead (progresses) and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
2. Also notice “why” the people are not doing God’s will, they said “the time has not yet come.”
a. It may have been that they 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 both need to understand that there will always be “trouble” when one does the work of the LORD the way God wills (2 Tim 3:12).
2Ti 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
c. Jesus says (Jn 16:33b) . . .
Joh 16:33b In the world you will have tribulation.
d. Why? Because (1 Jn 5:19b) . . .
1Jn 5:19b . . . the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
e. 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 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
f. Jesus said (Jn 16:33c) . . .
Joh 16:33c . . . take heart; I have overcome the world."
g. How is this imparted to us? It is explained in 1 Jn 5:4-5 . . .
1Jn 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1Jn 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
h. As long as we believe that Jesus is Who He says He is, (the “I AM”; Jn 8) and continue moving forward in our obedience of faith (Rom 1:5; 16:26), we will overcome the world through Jesus’ work, Jesus’ righteousness.
B. (Hag 1:3-4)
Hag 1:3 Then the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet,
Hag 1:4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled (ceiled) houses, while this house lies in ruins?
Then Jehovah brings forth His rebuke, it was time for “them” to dwell in “their” paneled or ceiled houses, which had lowered ceilings and were finely finished and paneled (which didn’t just come about by themselves), while God’s house, the temple, the house of the Creator and Sustainer of all, lies in ruins!
1. This shows us the root of the problem “selfishness,” this is the basis of all sin, and is the drawing device which Satan uses (the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life; 1 John 2:16).
a. This is why many people give a small percentage of their time and monies to the work of the LORD, while they scrimp and save to accomplish things according to “their” will, the things of “this” world, things many times done separate and apart from God.
b. This is why people say little to nothing concerning God’s truth to those that they know to be in error, basically they are 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 (Pro 15:3)?
Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
c. Rather we ought to be thinking about how “much,” not how “little” we can give of our God given resources to promote that one Faith, for it is written (2 Cor 9:6) . . .
2Co 9:6 . . . whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (This is a warning or a blessing, depending on our response)
d. 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 (1 Tim 2:4), which miss nothing we do or don’t do (Heb 4:13b; Mt 25:45).
Heb 4:13b but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Mat 25:45 Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'
C. (Hag 1:5)
Hag 1:5 Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.
With these things brought forth the people were told to “consider their ways” they were to take a closer look at themselves in view of God’s will, instead of their own will.
We also need to look at ourselves, most of us have believed (Jn 5:24), but 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)? Being holy as He is holy in every aspect of our lives (1 Pet 1:15-16)? Always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:58)? Or are we just fooling ourselves, for we are not fooling Him, Paul wrote (2 Cor 13:5; ESV) . . .
2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (ESV)
We need to understand that Christ is to be in us (Eph 3:17), manifesting Himself through us as salt and light (Mt 5:13-16), for this is the hope of glory (Col 1:27).
D. (Hag 1:6)
Hag 1:6 You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.
They were able to furnish themselves with above average housing, yet beyond that, most of their endeavors fell short of what they expected, and God here is telling them why, it is because of their selfishness.
This is based upon two of God’s immutable (unchanging) laws (Eph 4:6; Gal 6:7-9).
Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Gal 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
We really don’t know what God does or how He works in His providence (Deut 29:29).
Deu 29:29 "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
But I assure you He does work, whether it be to “test” us, or to “bless” us.
We need to understand that under Christ 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; Luke 12:33-34).
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 does consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luk 12:33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Luk 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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 10:1), for God is attempting to get us to think like Him, and to be like Him, in order that we can comfortably, forever, be with Him, fitted for heaven (Rev 21:1-3).
Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
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 rebuilding of the house of God, even in the face of many troubles, how does He look at us today in our comforts in America?
Seeing the current state of the church (practicing sin and loving the world); therefore let us be “steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, holding forth the word of life, shining as lights, preserving as salt, in this sin (and error) darkened world” in order that some might be awakened, repent, and turn back to the LORD and His Way.
II. GOD’S “REASSURANCE” CONCERNING THE REBUILDING OF THE HOUSE OF GOD (Haggai 2:3-5)
A. (Hag 2:3)
Hag 2:3 'Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?
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. Yet from the historian Josephus we learn that Zerubbabel’s temple was roughly half the size of Solomon’s.
It seems that some of the workers were aware of the great difference between the 2 and perhaps became discouraged.
We in like manner, when we see the large congregations boasted by our religious neighbors, 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).
2Co 12:9 And he has said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: 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;
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 bleak, for we need to remember the paradoxal nature of the kingdom of God (Isa 55:8-9; Lk 9:48b; Mt 20:16),
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Luk 9:48b For he who is least among you all is the one who is great."
Mat 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last."
c. God's ways and thoughts may have been too deep for the physical nation of Israel, but as the elect, His holy nation (1 Pet 2:9) we are not to be ignorant of His methods, we need to think as God, not as men led by Satan (Mt 16:23).
B. (Hag 2:4-5)
Hag 2:4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. (And) Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts,
Hag 2:5 according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear 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.
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 Holy Spirit which was in their midst, which could be a reference to the work of His inspired prophets (Neh 9:30), and also providentially.
God also urges us along, and tries to shift our attentions more to that of a spiritual nature, to that which fades not away 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 you 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;
We are to work, building, many times rebuilding, 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 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 28:20a teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you
We do this directly, with our lives, and indirectly, with our giving, and when we do this accordingly, God (Father, Son and Spirit, i.e. the Godhead) abides with us (Mt 28:20b; Jn 14:23; Rom 8:5-14; Gal 6:8-10; Eph 4:15, 25; 2 Jn 1:9).
Mat 28:20b And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Rom 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
Rom 8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Rom 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the S(s)pirit is life (alive) because of righteousness (God’s righteousness; 2 Cor 5:21).
Rom 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Rom 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Rom 8:14 For all who are (being) led by the Spirit of God are sons (children) of God.
Gal 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Gal 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Eph 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Eph 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
2Jn 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
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 that most are against us, if God is for us (Ps 27:1; Phili 4:13)?
Psa 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Phi 4:13 I can do all things in Him (Christ) that strengthens me.
God’s word will do the work (John 6:63; Heb 4:12), within us, and without us, we just need to believe it, and bring it forth in word and in deed, in other words, in all aspects of our lives (1 Pet 1:15; Isa 55:11; Col 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; Phili 2:15-16a)
Isa 55:11 so shall my word be that goes 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.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Jesus is the Word; Jn 1:14); in all wisdom teaching and admonishing (warning) one another, with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
Php 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,
Php 2:16a holding forth the word of life;
III. GOD’S “REWARD” CONCERNING THE REBULDING OF THE HOUSE OF GOD (Haggai 2:6-9)
A. (Hag 2:6)
Hag 2:6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land.
“In a little while” refers to God’s timeframe . . . (2 Pet 3:8) . . .
2Pe 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
It is “That Day” of which only the Father knows (Mt 24:36) . . .
Mat 24:36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
“Shaking” here can be defined by the Bible, look at Heb 12:18-29 . . .
Heb 12:18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest
Heb 12:19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. (Moses and Israel at Mt. Sinai; Ex 19-20)
Heb 12:20 For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned."
Heb 12:21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear."
Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,
Heb 12:23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect (through Jesus; 2 Cor 5:21),
Heb 12:24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Jesus’ blood completely, forever, washes away sins, not begs for revenge for His murder).
Heb 12:25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.
Heb 12:26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." (a reference to our verse; Hag 2:6)
Heb 12:27 This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.
Heb 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship (service), with reverence and awe,
Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.
What is seen here, “shaking, removing, and consuming fire”; this is the future of our physical realm…
Jesus clearly states (Mt 24:35a) . . .
Mat 24:35a Heaven and earth will pass away,
Enoch wrote (Enoch 1:3-7) . . .
3 Concerning the elect I said, and took up my parable concerning them:
The Holy Great One will come forth from His dwelling,
4 And the eternal God will tread upon the earth, (even) on Mount Sinai,
[And appear from His camp]
And appear in the strength of His might from the heaven of heavens.
5 And all shall be smitten with fear
And the Watchers shall quake,
And great fear and trembling shall seize them unto the ends of the earth.
6 And the high mountains shall be shaken,
And the high hills shall be made low,
And shall melt like wax before the flame
7 And the earth shall be wholly rent in sunder,
And all that is upon the earth shall perish,
And there shall be a judgement upon all (men).
And Peter wrote (2 Pet 3:10-14) . . .
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed (burned up).
2Pe 3:11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
2Pe 3:13 But according to his promise we are (looking) waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2Pe 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are (looking) waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
So let focus “not” upon earthly things which will perish, but on spiritual things, the things above, which will continue forever and ever, where from we came (Jub 2:2), and whereto we will return (Eccl 12:7).
B. (Hag 2:7)
Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts.
The “shaking ”of the nations here refers to the upheaval of kingdoms through the working of God, It is He Who is in control of nations, both good and the bad (Dan 4:32b; Rom 13:1).
Dan 4:32b the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives 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.
God brought about and took down (shook) the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Medes, the Greeks and the Romans, all according to the prophecy written in Daniel 2, which ultimately led to the establishing of the Messiah’s everlasting 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.
And also God, through the nations, would supply the physical materials which were needed to rebuild Zerubbabel’s temple, He would figuratively “shake” their resources out of them to accomplish His will.
And God would in like manner, when the church is established, call people, both rich and poor out of the world and into His marvelous light 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 you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
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 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.
These same types of things are to be taking place today, because (v 8) . . .
B. (Hag 2:8)
Hag 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD 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 the LORD'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 you; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
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:
Yet we need to keep in mind 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 people, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
We need to keep in mind “His motivation,” and make that “also” our own (John 3:16; 14:15; Gal 5:6).
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son . . .
Joh 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
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.
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, because there are a few that are truly seeking the Way, which is difficult, yet leads to life (Mt 7:14), let us show them the glorious light of the gospel which leads to eternal life.
C. (Hag 2:9)
Hag 2:9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD 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 as 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 has 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 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:19 So then you are no more strangers and sojourners, but you 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, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;
Eph 2:22 in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
1Co 3:9 For we are . . . God's building.
And the temple of God was indeed built through the miraculous working of the Spirit in the 1st century.
The apostles and NT prophets delivered and confirmed “all the truth” (John 16:13).
It (the Faith) has once and for all time been delivered in the 1st century (Jude 3),
Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
God’s plan of salvation, how Christians are to live holy lives in a sinful world, the organization, worship, and work of the church.
And the things of the spiritual realms (heavenly places) have been more fully revealed (such as Hades, Heaven, Hell; 2 Pet 1:3).
2Pe 1:3 seeing that his divine power has granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;
Also 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.
In the new heavens and the new earth where ultimately God Himself will be its temple and glory (Rev 21:23).
Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
Rev 21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
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.
And only in this place, in Christ, in the church, God’s eternal purpose, is where the true peace is found.
Peace between people in and out of the church, as much as is within our abilities as we 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.
And most importantly peace, reconciliation between God and individuals, that barrier of sin is broken down through the gospel of Christ (Rom 5:8-11).
Rom 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
Rom 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Rom 5:11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
And that reconciliation to God produces the kind of peace that surpasses the understanding of those who do not posses it (Phili 4:7); and along with this peace comes a living hope (1 Pet 1:3-4).
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
This is the “reward” of those that are faithfully, continually, building, rebuilding the house of God, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
And how is this peace initially appropriated? The same way is has been for almost 2,000 years.
One is to . . .
Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);
Remember, “. . . God is not mocked: for whatsoever a person sows, that shall they also reap.” (Gal 6:7)
We must teach and preach the pure and simple doctrine of Christ, without additions not subtractions
“faith comes by hearing 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 is to . . .
Believe that Jesus is the Divine 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 is to . . .
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 is to . . .
Confess Christ before humanity (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), initially and while we fulfill God’s will for all to hear the good news concerning Christ and His gospel through our words and deeds (Phili 2:15-16; Mt 5:16)
One is to . . .
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)
And finally one is to . . .
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 (Rom 8:18), 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 perishes, but for the food which abides unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, has sealed.