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Haggai

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First Things First

A Study Guide for Rebuilding What Matters Most

1. Introduction: A Call to Prioritize God Again

  • Written in 520 BC, after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile.

  • The people started rebuilding the temple but stopped when opposition arose—and focused instead on their own homes and lives.

  • Haggai delivers four short but urgent messages from God.

Reflection: When life feels stuck or unfruitful, it may be time to examine your priorities.

2. Message 1: Consider Your Ways (Haggai 1:1–15)

  • The people live in “paneled houses” while God’s temple lies in ruins (v. 4).

  • God withholds blessing—not out of cruelty, but to wake them up (v. 6–11).

  • The people listen, fear the Lord, and begin rebuilding.

Takeaway: Obedience starts with conviction, but it only bears fruit when followed by action.

3. Message 2: Don’t Be Discouraged by Small Beginnings (Haggai 2:1–9)

  • Some remember the former temple’s glory and feel the new one seems insignificant.

  • God tells them: “Be strong… work, for I am with you” (v. 4).

  • He promises greater glory will fill this new house.

Lesson: God’s presence is more important than size, appearance, or memory. What He builds will surpass what we remember.

4. Message 3: Holiness Must Come from the Heart (Haggai 2:10–19)

  • Haggai gives a lesson using the law: holiness isn’t contagious, but defilement is.

  • The people’s past disobedience made their sacrifices unclean.

  • But now that they have obeyed, God will bless them from this day forward.

Truth: You can’t cover disobedience with religious effort. But repentance leads to renewal.

5. Message 4: God Is Shaking the Nations (Haggai 2:20–23)

  • A personal word to Zerubbabel, the governor: God is going to overthrow kingdoms.

  • Zerubbabel will be like a signet ring—God’s chosen instrument.

  • This points forward to Christ, who comes from Zerubbabel’s line (Matthew 1:12–13).

Encouragement: God uses obedient people—even in dark times—for lasting kingdom purposes.

6. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On

  • Haggai 1:4 – “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”

  • Haggai 1:7 – “Consider your ways.”

  • Haggai 2:4 – “Be strong… work, for I am with you.”

  • Haggai 2:9 – “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former…”

  • Haggai 2:19 – “From this day on I will bless you.”

7. Questions for Discussion or Journaling

  1. What does it mean to “consider your ways” in today’s culture?

  2. Why do you think the people delayed rebuilding God’s house?

  3. How can small acts of obedience lead to long-term blessing?

  4. What discouragement do you face when something feels smaller than what once was?

  5. How do you balance working for God with trusting in His presence?

  6. What areas of your life is God calling you to rebuild with Him at the center?