What steps can we take to prioritize God's work in our community? Setting the Scene in Haggai “Haggai 1:2 — ‘This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’ ”’” Sixteen years after returning from exile, God’s people had laid the temple foundation, then stopped. Houses went up, businesses reopened, fields were planted—yet the Lord’s house stayed a rubble heap. Through Haggai, God exposed a heart issue: misplaced priorities. Why This Matters for Us When we postpone kingdom work in our city—evangelism, mercy ministries, discipleship, gospel-centered community development—we echo Judah’s excuse: “Not yet.” Haggai’s message gives a practical roadmap for turning “not yet” into “right now.” Step 1: Recognize Delay as Disobedience • Haggai 1:4 — “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” • Luke 9:59-60; Matthew 8:21-22—Jesus refuses delay in following Him. The first step is honest confession: postponing God’s agenda is not harmless procrastination; it is active disobedience. Step 2: Confront Comfortable Excuses • “Paneled houses” symbolize comfort and status. • 1 John 2:15—“Do not love the world or anything in the world.” List common modern excuses: – “Our church budget is already tight.” – “We’re too busy with family schedules.” – “The neighborhood looks unsafe.” Naming excuses breaks their power. Step 3: Reorder Priorities Around Worship • Haggai 1:8 — “Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified.” • Matthew 6:33—“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Practical moves: – Block out weekly time slots for community outreach before adding social events. – Allocate first-fruits giving to local gospel initiatives. – Position church calendars so mission events lead, not trail. Step 4: Mobilize Resources and People • Haggai 1:8 commands specific action steps: “Go… bring down… build.” • Nehemiah 2:18—“Let us rise up and build.” Checklist: 1. Survey community needs (education gaps, food insecurity, unreached demographics). 2. Match needs with congregational gifts. 3. Form ministry teams with clear leaders. 4. Create measurable goals and timelines. Step 5: Practice Obedient Generosity • Haggai 1:6 — “You earn wages, but you put them into a bag with holes.” • Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” Redirect resources: – Budget line items specifically earmarked for outreach. – Encourage members to tithe time as well as finances. Step 6: Expect God’s Presence and Provision • Haggai 1:13 — “‘I am with you,’ declares the LORD.” • Philippians 4:19—“My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Confidence grows when we remember that the One who commands also enables. Step 7: Maintain Momentum Through Accountability • Haggai 1:14 — “So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel… Joshua… and the spirit of all the remnant of the people.” • Hebrews 10:24—“Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Ways to stay on track: – Monthly progress reports to the congregation. – Testimonies celebrating visible fruit. – Prayer partners for each ministry leader. Putting It All Together Prioritizing God’s work in our community begins by seeing delay for what it is, uprooting excuses, and putting worship first. Then we mobilize people and resources, give generously, lean on God’s promised presence, and hold one another accountable. As we do, the local “house of the LORD”—the visible witness of Christ’s body—rises, and our city sees His glory. |
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