Sermon on 31 December 2023 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
What have we done to build our courage in Him, our faith in Him, our enthusiasm in Him and our holiness in Him?
Message
In the book of Haggai, the Israelites kept delaying the building of the house of the Lord. They made excuses. The Lord commanded them to consider their ways. This happened twice.
Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! - Haggai 1:5
Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! - Haggai 1:7
As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, let us consider our ways.
Renew our courage in the Lord.
Renew holiness of life.
Renew enthusiasm in God.
Renew faith in God. Let us continue to obey.
“Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” - Haggai 1:2
The people had a problem with priorities because of the spirit of lethargy. They had become less concerned about glorifying God and the things of God.
“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? - Haggai 1:4
It is time to reflect and look at our lifestyle, our busyness, our priorities.
You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! - Haggai 1:6
You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. - Haggai 1:9
Are you building up the temple in holiness, and righteousness, consecrated by seeking Him first? Are your priorities on your affairs more than your relationship with God?
What are your priorities? We all need some work on our priorities. As long as you continue to make conscientious sin, this temple is not built yet. If each of us honestly considers our ways, the Lord will stir us up and spark the enthusiasm in us all.
So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Joshua of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the Lord of Heaven’s armies. - Haggai 1:14
Closing
It is time to fix our obedience. It is time to fix our focus. It is time to fix our relationship. Will we obey the voice of the Lord with fear of the Lord?
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