Lesson 5 – Scott Neubauer

1. Introduction and Context
   1. Overview of Lesson and Background
      1. Focus on Ezra 5:1 and the book of Haggai.
      2. Haggai is a short prophetic book but holds equal importance as all Scripture because it is the Word of God.
      3. Paul reminds believers that all Scripture is written for instruction, endurance, and encouragement (Romans 15:4).
   2. The Role and Character of Haggai
      1. Haggai appears suddenly with no recorded background.
      2. He is fully under God’s authority, serving as His messenger to the Jews in Jerusalem and Judah.
      3. He does not alter or reinterpret God’s message but delivers it faithfully.
   3. Connection to Previous Lesson
      1. Lesson 4 (Ezra 3–4) ended with construction halted for 16 years due to opposition.
      2. The people returned to normal life while God’s temple lay unfinished.
      3. Now, God raises up Haggai and Zechariah to reignite the work.
2. Structure and Characteristics of Haggai
   1. Literary Observations
      1. The book contains 1,144 words (ESV), with over 70% directly from God’s mouth through Haggai.
      2. Minimal human dialogue; nearly the entire book is one-way communication from God.
      3. The people respond with obedience rather than debate or resistance.
   2. Purpose and Audience
      1. Messages are directed to leaders Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people.
      2. Four main messages can be seen in the book, all calling the people to spiritual renewal and faithful obedience.
3. Think — The Call to Reflection (Haggai 1:1–11)
   1. God’s Confrontation
      1. The people claim it is not yet time to rebuild the temple.
      2. They prioritize their own homes while neglecting God’s house.
      3. Sixteen years of complacency lead to misplaced priorities and fading zeal.
   2. God’s Challenge
      1. “Consider your ways” — a call to self-examination and repentance.
      2. Every area of life (food, drink, clothing, income) shows frustration and lack of fulfillment.
      3. God causes their efforts to fail to expose their spiritual neglect.
   3. Personal Reflection
      1. God’s Word serves as a mirror revealing spiritual condition.
      2. Believers must confront selfish habits and misplaced affections.
4. Power — The Call to Obedience (Haggai 1:12–15)
   1. The People’s Response
      1. The leaders and people obey the Lord and fear Him.
      2. God’s reassuring promise follows: “I am with you.”
   2. God’s Empowering Presence
      1. God stirs the spirit of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant to rebuild.
      2. This divine stirring marks a transformation from apathy to action.
      3. The transformation occurs within 24 days — evidence of true repentance and renewal.
   3. Principle of Obedience
      1. Obedience precedes blessing and revival.
      2. Human wisdom cannot produce change like God’s power can.
5. Blessing — The Call to Hope (Haggai 2)
   1. Future Glory and Hope (2:3–9)
      1. The future temple’s glory will surpass the former.
      2. Strength comes from doing the Lord’s work with His presence.
      3. Peace arises from nearness to God despite uncertain times.
      4. Ultimate hope is in salvation and the coming kingdom.
   2. Purity and Restoration (2:10–19)
      1. Lessons of defilement highlight spiritual uncleanness.
      2. Despite impurity, God promises, “From this day on I will bless you.”
      3. Blessing follows obedience, even after failure.
   3. Messianic Blessing on Zerubbabel (2:20–23)
      1. Earthly kingdoms will fall, but God’s kingdom endures forever.
      2. Zerubbabel receives a personal promise — part of Christ’s lineage.
      3. Matthew 1 confirms Zerubbabel in Jesus’ genealogy, 12 generations before Christ.
6. Application and Closing Exhortation
   1. Three Responses for Today
      1. Think: Reflect on personal priorities and spiritual condition.
      2. Power: Respond in obedience and allow God’s Spirit to work through you.
      3. Blessing: Recognize and rejoice in God’s blessings in all forms, not just material ones.
   2. Encouragement to Community
      1. Stay connected in small groups for encouragement and accountability.
      2. Pray for one another and build each other up through God’s Word.
   3. Closing Prayer
      1. Thanksgiving for God’s Word and the lessons from Haggai.
      2. Request for transformation and a closer walk with Him.