A Study on the book of Haggai Chapter 1

HAGGAI 1

Bible Study Notes Rev. Betsy Perkins

Build My Church!

Haggai, the Prophet  (1:1):   

The book of Haggai contains 6 precise dates, all in the second year of the Persian king Darius, which was 520 B.C. The book was most likely written just after the final date. About 20 years prior to that, in 539 B.C., after the Persians defeated the Babylonians, the Persian king Cyrus had decreed that Jewish exiles in Babylonia could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. The book of Ezra contains the historical record of that undertaking. Yet there was strong opposition to the project by the Samaritan neighbors who had settled near the ruins of Jerusalem and after the restoration of the Temple’s foundation the work came to a standstill. When Haggai begins his prophetic ministry, the people are discouraged, distracted and disgruntled. The challenges seem great and the resources seem small. But God uses Haggai to remind them of His purposes for them and through them, and His presence with them.  

• Read Ezra 1:1-7. After living in exile for 50 years or more, how do you think the Israelites felt when they learned that they could return home to Judea? Read Psalm 126.
• Have you ever been involved in the building project of a church or a home? What do you remember about it? What were the challenges? 
• Read Ezra 4:1-5.

The Message to Haggai   (1:2-11):   

• Why do God’s people feel it’s not yet the right time to rebuild the temple? What challenges are they facing? 
• Does all their selfish hustle leave them satisfied?
• In verses 5 and 7 God says, “Give careful thought to your ways.” What is God trying to tell them?
• Why is the rebuilding so important to God?
• In John 2, the Temple leaders ask Jesus for a sign of his authority to clear the Temple courtyard. He replies, “Destroy this Temple, and I will rebuild it again in three days.” What temple was Jesus referring to?
• In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says, “I will build my church…” God is all-powerful and all-knowing. He doesn’t need us to get things done for His Kingdom on earth, yet He chooses to include us in the building project. What does this tell us about God? What do we learn about how God feels about us?
• Do you agree with Dave Cornes’ statement? Why or why not? What ‘church’ is he talking about? “The church exists for God’s glory, so when we’re not interested in the church, it’s a sign we’re not interested in God’s glory. When your life turns from serving the God who made all things to serving the things He made, something’s gone wrong. Because neglecting God’s work is neglecting God Himself.” ~ Dave Cornes
• What typically distracts you from the work of building God’s church in our community? What opposition do you face? 

The People Respond  (1:12-15):   

• What galvanizes the leaders and the people to start rebuilding again? Also read Ezra 5:1-2.
• What is the date of Haggai’s first message? How long does it take for construction to resume? (The 6^th month begins in mid-August)
• Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. Who is the foundation of the church? How are we encouraged to build? How might this knowledge affect our priorities and perspective? 

“Whatever you do for My sake that involves the sacrifice of self-interest, whatever you do to reveal Me to others when you feel least able to do so, whatever you do that pleases Me at any cost to yourself, that is building My temple.” ~ Dr. Larry Crabb 

• What should ignite our enthusiasm and galvanize us to prioritize God’s work in our community? In the world?
• What do you dream of doing for God’s church? Make time to ‘give careful thought’ to this in the coming week. If you do not see yourself as having a role in building up the community of faith, pray and offer yourself to God. Ask God to show you what task He has for you in the building of His church.

In light of this passage and our discussion, what one truth about God and about yourself stand out as something to “take to heart” this week?  

Are there steps you will take, by God’s grace, to more fully apply it to your life? 

Resources: NIV Zondervan Study Bible, 2015

J. Gordon McConville, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets, Volume 4, 2002

Dr. Larry Crabb, 66 Love Letters, 2009

Dave Cornes, Haggai: Building God’s Church (RightNowMedia)

Tim Mackie, The Bible Project, How to Read Haggai (RightNowMedia)