Consider Your Ways
Pastor Tan Thai · Jan 15, 2023
This sermon, based on the Book of Haggai, calls the people of Judah to examine their priorities as they neglect the rebuilding of God's temple. Through Israel's history from restoration to exile, the sermon emphasizes that neglecting spiritual priorities results in material and spiritual depletion.
The opening section of the sermon provides detailed historical context about the devastation and restoration of Israel. In 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian Empire and its people were taken into exile. One hundred thirty-six years later, in 586 BC, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was also conquered by Babylon, the city of Jerusalem was completely destroyed, and God's temple was demolished. This catastrophe was the direct result of the people's sin against the Lord.
The second section develops the theological point concerning God's justice and mercy throughout the series of restoration events. In 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the people of Judah to return and rebuild the temple. The foundation of the temple was completed in 536 BC; however, construction work stalled. In 520 BC, the prophet Haggai was sent by the Lord to deliver a rebuke and call the people to resume building the temple. Haggai's call to action led to the completion of the project in 516 BC.
The third section applies the message directly to the congregation's life today through the prophet Haggai's admonition: "Consider your ways." The people of Judah were focused on building their own private homes with ornate wooden ceilings, while God's temple remained in ruins. The consequence of neglecting spiritual priorities was material depletion: "You have sown much, but have harvested little; you eat, but are not satisfied; you drink, but are not quenched; you clothe yourselves, but are not warm." The Lord also sent droughts and crop failures to discipline the people until they returned to proper priorities for His temple.
The final section stresses that Haggai's message remains relevant to modern-day Christians. Considering one's ways includes examining whether we are prioritizing our spiritual development, or whether material concerns have eclipsed the things that matter spiritually. When we place the church and worship of God first, He promises extraordinary blessing. But when we neglect spiritual priorities, we will experience similar consequences: depletion, lack, and separation from God's abundant favor.