Bernard Gabbott - Sunday, 16 October 2022
What House are You Building?
Scripture References: Haggai 1:1-15, Deuteronomy 28:1-6, Deuteronomy 28:15-19, Matthew 6:25-34
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CloseHaggai turns to the leaders of God’s people, and states the excuse God’s people have for not building God’s house, the Temple: ‘It is just inconvenient, and not the right time’’ (vs.2). It’s not as if God’s people doubt His importance, or the significance of the symbolism of the Temple, do they? And, as we will see, the circumstances are tough: there has been prolonged drought, crops have failed consistently, finances are tight, and the local political opposition is quite fierce. Haggai then turns to God’s people, though, and points out the problem: ‘Your houses look pretty fine, but God’s house is in ruins. Your priorities are exposed by your personal lives’ (vs.3-4). It is an incisive and exposing statement. And it is not so much a statement about the city-planning of Jerusalem, but a statement about how God’s people view the significance of God, the significance of His desire and promise to live with them, and the significance of sin. In their paneled houses, these people make a statement: God is not that important! Such a 2022 book for God’s people…
Scripture References: Haggai 1:1-15, Deuteronomy 28:1-6, Deuteronomy 28:15-19, Matthew 6:25-34
Related Topics: Minor Prophet | More Messages from Bernard Gabbott | Download Audio
Bernard Gabbott
Haggai 1:1-15
Bernard Gabbott
Haggai 2:1-9
Perseverance to the end… this is Peter’s final encouragement as he wraps up his letter to exile believers scattered throughout the world. In the face of persecution and hostility, how are we to remain strong in our discipleship to Jesus and persevere?
Those who lead God’s mob must lead them in such a way that they can follow the template of Jesus, and be sustained in their ‘resolve’ (4:1) to be like Jesus. This takes a leadership that shepherds the sheep in a way that serves, that is humble. Moreover, it also means that those being led are to know that such leaders are to be submitted to – and that all the mob is defined by humility – just like the Chief Shepherd.
If we follow a crucified Saviour, should we expect anything less than the unjust treatment Jesus received? In chapter 4, Peter wants to prepare his readers for a life of discipleship, as following Jesus will have implications. Christians will be persecuted for their faith and suffer as a result. But that shouldn’t take us by surprise nor should we lament when suffering comes upon us as a result of bearing His name, but rather rejoice!
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