Studying Haggai, we’re challenged to ‘consider our ways’ and recommit to putting God first in our lives. Just as the returned exiles neglected rebuilding the temple, we too can become distracted by worldly pursuits, leaving our spiritual ‘house’ in disrepair. Haggai’s message resonates deeply with our modern struggles, as we often find ourselves prioritizing personal comfort over spiritual growth. It reminds us that true satisfaction and purpose come not from paneled houses or material success, but from aligning our priorities with God’s kingdom.

Main Points:

- The message of Haggai is to consider our ways and recommit to putting God first.

- God calls us to prioritize building His kingdom over our personal priorities.

- When we neglect God’s priorities, we often experience spiritual lack and dissatisfaction.

- God’s presence, not outward appearance, makes His temple (the church – people of God) glorious.

- Jesus fulfills the promises foreshadowed in Haggai’s prophecies.

Discussion Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when pursuing worldly success left you feeling unsatisfied. How did that experience shape your understanding of true fulfillment?

2. In what ways do you see God’s discipline as an act of love in your own life, similar to how He allowed the Israelites to experience lack?

3. How have you experienced the tension between pursuing personal priorities versus kingdom priorities in your own life? What areas might God be calling you to reconsider?

4. How does understanding the church as God’s temple (Ephesians 2:19-22) change your perspective on your role in the body of Christ?

5. How does the promise of God’s presence being what truly makes His temple glorious encourage you in your spiritual journey?

Practical Application:

1. Take time this week to answer the question posed in the sermon: “Consider your way…What do you need to keep doing, stop doing, and/or start doing to put your relationship with God and the building up of the church as first priority in your life?”.

2. Pray daily this week for God to work in you to reorder your priorities through His Word and Spirit.

Worship Setlist:

There is a Savior; A Thousand Hallelujahs; Behold the Lamb; Worthy of it All; Abide