Digging In - Week 6
Digging In
Sermon Series Overview:
“The temple wasn’t just a building. It was where God said he would meet with his people. It was his reach of love into the lives of people as well as a way to proclaim the glory of God and extend the reach of God to the nations. So when the temple was destroyed and God’s people were taken away as exiles, something had to be done. God orchestrated the release of his people from captivity so they could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. They began the work as God commanded them to, but over time “life” happened, resistance arose, and the mission was set aside. Enter the prophet Haggai. He was sent by God to help the people refocus and make room for God’s mission in their generation. Haggai points ahead to Jesus – the ultimate temple – the ultimate meeting place between God and sinners. In this series, we’ll see that today the mission of Christ is extended through us, the Church; we are his temple. As we make room for others, Christ’s mission advances in our generation as well!”
“The temple wasn’t just a building. It was where God said he would meet with his people. It was his reach of love into the lives of people as well as a way to proclaim the glory of God and extend the reach of God to the nations. So when the temple was destroyed and God’s people were taken away as exiles, something had to be done. God orchestrated the release of his people from captivity so they could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. They began the work as God commanded them to, but over time “life” happened, resistance arose, and the mission was set aside. Enter the prophet Haggai. He was sent by God to help the people refocus and make room for God’s mission in their generation. Haggai points ahead to Jesus – the ultimate temple – the ultimate meeting place between God and sinners. In this series, we’ll see that today the mission of Christ is extended through us, the Church; we are his temple. As we make room for others, Christ’s mission advances in our generation as well!”
TEXT: Haggai 1 and 2
FOCUS: Mission Participation
FOCUS: Mission Participation
Take a moment to read the book of Haggai. It’ll only take a few minutes. Use the following DIGGING IN guide to reflect on Haggai and the message from Sunday. Use this individually, as a couple, family or group.
- Read Haggai 1 and 2. It won’t take long to read the book of Haggai all the way through.
- Consider the question posed to a group of 50 people over the age of 95: If you could do life over again, what would you do differently?
Response of those surveyed: 1) We would reflect more, 2) risk more, and 3) do more things that would live on after we’re gone. - Reflect on your life. What would someone observing your life say you are living for?
- What were the exiles living for? (Read Haggai 1:3-7)
- What was God’s response to them? (Read Haggai 1:8-11)
- Looking back on your life, what risks do you regret not taking?
- In what way has the Make Room series through Haggai challenged you to take more risks?
- On Sunday Pastor Dave shared this quote: “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice” (Cherokee Proverb).
What do you hope will live on in the lives of those you’ve impacted during your lifetime? - Recall the chorus of the song from Sunday’s opening video: (“Make Room” by Casting Crowns)
Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
For God to write His story?
You can come as you are
But it may set you apart
When you make room in your heart
And trade your dreams for His glory
Make room in your heart
Make room in your heart
If we (Bethel) were to Make Room in our hearts, lives and buildings in Battle Lake, Boudamasa, and Fergus Falls, what impact do you think that would have in the lives of others? - What did God promise his people who were stirred to obey the Lord? (read Haggai 1:12-13)
- What’s one thing from our journey through Haggai that you hope to hang on to?
Please continue to pray for...
- ...the mission of Christ to grow in our hearts so that we Make Room in our lives and make a difference in the lives of our “neighbors” who need Jesus.
- ...a gospel-motivated, mission-fueled generosity in each of us that funds the Make Room project in Battle Lake, Boudamasa, and Fergus Falls (creating space for our neighbors locally, regionally, and internationally).
- ...God’s protection of our church’s unity and mission commitment to advance the mission of Christ in our generation.
Interested in using this devotional for your small group? Download the PDF of this devotional below and print on 8.5x11 (front and back).