Session Title: Encouragement to Build Up

INTERACTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING GUIDE Prophetic Words of Yesterday for Today - Week 16

Session Title: Encouragement to Build Up Focal Passages: Haggai 2:1-9

Central Teaching/Learning Aim: The learner will discover how God promised to restore the Temple and gave the Israelites courage and hope. The learner will observe how God can do the same in his/her own life. I. Hook

A. Object Lesson – Ask members to bring objects or pictures of items they have restored or are in the process of restoring. Allow the select members to share the significance of these items. (Ex. coins, a baseball card, antique clock, vintage car, etc.)

Next – Interview the member(s):

1. Why did you spend so much time to restore this item? 2. How did you feel when you completed it? 3. Do you want to continue to restore more things? 4. How has God restored you throughout your life?

Read – (Haggai 2:1-9). Ask members for key words that demonstrate God’s act of restoration.

State – Today we are going to discuss how God encouraged the Israelites by promising them He would rebuild the Temple, and how God restores and rebuilds lives.

A. Optional Method – Share the following story:

Mary had grown up knowing that she was different from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born with a cleft palate and had to bear the jokes and stares of cruel children who teased her non-stop about her mis-shaped lip, c rooked nose, and garbled speech.

With all the teasing, Mary grew up hating the fact that she was “different”. S he was convinced that no one, outside her family, could ever love her…until she entered Mrs. Leonard’s class.

Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face, and shiny brown hair. While everyone in her class liked her, Mary came to love Mrs. Leonard. In the 1950’s, it was common for teachers to give their children an annual h earing test. However, in Mary’s case, in addition to her cleft palate, she was barely able to hear out of one ear. Determined not to let the other children h ave another “difference” to point out, she would cheat on the test each year.

The “whisper test” was given by having a child walk to the classroom door, t urn sideways, close one ear with a finger, and then repeat something, which the teacher whispered. Mary turned her bad ear towards her teacher and pr etended to cover her good ear. She knew that the teachers would often say things like, “The sky is blue,” or “What color are your shoes?” But not on that day. Surely, God put seven words in Mrs. Leonard’s mouth that changed Ma ry’s life forever. When the “Whisper test” came, Mary heard the words: “I wis h you were my little girl.”

--John Trent

Ask – The following reflective question not to be answered out loud.

1. Who is your greatest encourager? 2. Who in your life seems to always discourage you? 3. How has God restored you?

Read – (Haggai 2:1-9). Ask members for key words that demonstrate God’s act of restoration.

State – Today we are going to discuss how God encouraged the Israelites by promising them He would rebuild the Temple, and how God restores and rebuilds lives.

B. Optional Method – Web clip “Rachel’s Challenge”

Location: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIYMaUDfWSI Length: 4:40

Synopsis: This clip demonstrates the power of how God can take tragedy (in this case the Columbine massacre) and restore people’s lives and how they can have a great impact on others.

Ask – How has God redeemed and restored this tragedy?

Pre-enlist a member or two to share their testimony of God’s restoration in their own life/lives.

Read – (Haggai 2:1-9). Ask members for key words that demonstrate God’s act of restoration. State – Today we are going to discuss how God encouraged the Israelites by promising them He would rebuild the Temple, and how God restores and rebuilds lives.

II. Book

A. Utilize the discussion guide to examine the Scripture passages.

III. Look

A. Ask members to complete the handout “Building Others Up.” (If time does not allow completion, encourage them to do it during the week.) IV. Took

A. Play the song “My Eyes are Dry” by Keith Green. Ask members to bow in prayer as the song is being played. Challenge members to allow God to restore them this week to become filled with the Holy Spirit of God and become more effective as a Christ-follower than ever before.

B. Optional Method – Web clip featuring a report on the great volunteer movement of Rachel’s Challenge.

Location: http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Rachels-Challenge-spurs- citywide-help-campaign-in-Rockwall-118757524.html Length: 2:38

Synopsis: Rockwall ISD is proving that Rachel’s Challenge can change more than students’ attitudes; it’s a program that can change an entire community.

Hundreds of people took part in 60 events across the city on Saturday, proving it doesn’t take long for compassion and service to start a chain reaction.

Whether it’s one ramp for one family or a vegetable garden for the entire community, Rachel’s Challenge service projects are growing and taking root.

“One person, another person and another person…it is a huge chain reaction,” said community garden volunteer Cody Hayes.

It started four years ago as a rally and few charity events around town. Now, the mission knows as Students Serving Others has turned into a part of the culture. Rockwall schools are teaching students to give back, and – in turn – those young people are teaching their parents the core principles of Rachel’s Challenge.

“Friendship and compassion and treating other people how you want to be treated,” said Rockwall student Lake Johnson.

To make sure everyone got involved, elementary students stuffed duffel bags for a local shelter, giving abused children something to make them smile.

Others wrote letters and drew pictures for soldiers serving overseas.

And at the stadium, little feet, fuzzy feet and regular feet circled the track to raise money for Special Olympics.

“We fell like we have needs within our own community,” said Rockwall ISD director of counseling Kimberly West. “What better way for our kids to learn about giving back than to serve those here who they live with and live besides day by day?”

Older kids got messy. They went through barrels of paint to make over a local gymnasium and to brighten the rooms at a Boys and Girls Club.

“I wanted to do this for my community because it’s what is right to do,” said volunteer Julia Hale. “It’s what I want to do. I don’t feel like I need anything back besides knowing this is going to change people’s lives.”

On Saturday, volunteers worked with the students, proving that when Rockwall serves others, the changes are deeper than just a coat of fresh paint.

Source: WFAA TV, March 27, 2011

State – God can restore any situation or life and reclaim it to be even better than before. Let God restore you this week. DISCUSSION GUIDE Teacher Copy 1. What two questions did God ask the Israelites in (Haggai 2:3)? a. Who remembers the Temple before it was devastated? (It was destroyed in 586 B.C. 66 years prior to Haggai’s time.) b. How does it look now compared to before?

2. Write a brief description of how your life changed when you first accepted Christ. How was your zeal and enthusiasm for Him?

3. How does your zeal for Christ now compare to when you first became a Christian?

4. How did the Lord promise to help the Israelites? (vs. 4-5) a. He told them to “take heart” and get to work and He would be with them. b. He told them not to fear because He had made promises.

5. How does God’s promise of “take heart”, “I am with you”, and “do not fear” to the Israelites translate in your own life?

6. What do the following verses teach about fear and courage? a. (Proverbs 28:1) The wicked flee and the righteous can have confidence b. (2 Timothy 1:7) God did not give us a spirit of fear, but power, love and self-control c. (Isaiah 51:7-8) Don’t fear others, God will provide eternal deliverance d. (Matthew 10:28-31) Do not fear other humans, God is in control e. (Luke 12:4-5) Fear the devil, who want to destroy you f. (1 Corinthians 16:13) Stay alert, firm, show courage, be strong

7. How were (vs. 6-8) a source of encouragement to the Israelites? What are key words and phrases of encouragement? a. The Lord rules over all b. God would shake the earth and all nations c. All nations would offer gifts to fill the Temple d. God is in control of all

8. God said in (v. 9) that not only would He restore the Temple but it would be better than ever before. How is this as great promise for your life?

9. God is in the restoration business, but He also told the people to get to work. What steps do you need to take this week to allow God to restore you to “mint condition?” DISCUSSION GUIDE Student Copy

1. What two questions did God ask the Israelites in (Haggai 2:3)? a.

2. Write a brief description of how your life changed when you first accepted Christ. How was your zeal and enthusiasm for Him?

3. How does your zeal for Christ now compare to when you first became a Christian?

4. How did the Lord promise to help the Israelites? (vs. 4-5) a.

5. How does God’s promise of “take heart”, “I am with you”, and “do not fear” to the Israelites translate in your own life?

6. What do the following verses teach about fear and courage? a. (Proverbs 28:1)

b. (2 Timothy 1:7)

c. (Isaiah 51:7-8)

d. (Matthew 10:28-31)

e. (Luke 12:4-5)

f. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

7. How were (vs. 6-8) a source of encouragement to the Israelites? What are key words and phrases of encouragement? a. b. c. d.

8. God said in (v. 9) that not only would He restore the Temple but it would be better than ever before. How is this as great promise for your life? 9. God is in the restoration business, but He also told the people to get to work. What steps do you need to take this week to allow God to restore you to “mint condition?” Building Others Up

List names of people that you communicate with most often. Rate yourself from 1 to 5 on how you speak to them. (Rating 1=Positive to 5=Negative)

Significant People In My Life “How I Speak to Them” Rating 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Now list their names again and write how you can be more edifying/encouraging to each one. What small things can you do that can make a difference?

Significant People In My Life 1.

10. THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Worthy Worship Haggai 2:10-23

Monday – Read Haggai 2:10-13  What two questions did the Lord tell Haggai to ask?  How did the priests answer the questions?  Have you ever tried to do something good in an attempt to cover up / or pay for something sinful you have done?  Read I John 1:9, How are we to “come clean” about sin in our life?

Tuesday – Read Haggai 2:10-14  After the priests answer the two questions…. What did Haggai have to say?  Read I Samuel 15:22, what is the main point of this verse?  In what ways have you tried to sacrifice instead of being obedient to the Lord?  In what area of your life do you need to obey the Lord?

Wednesday – Read Haggai 2:15-19  Did the people turn to the Lord during their loss of crops?  What is the promise at the end of verse 19?  The lord wants us to turn to Him, in good and in hard times….Is it easier for you to turn to the Lord in good times or hard times? Why?

Thursday – Read Haggai 2:20-23  Compare 1:1 to 2:20…. How much time has passed?  Contrast Haggai 1:1 with Ezra 6:15. How many years did it take to complete the temple?  What kind of power does the Lord have over the kingdoms of the world?  The Lord loves to rebuild things…. especially our lives. How has He rebuilt areas of your life?  In what areas will you ask the Lord to rebuild in your life?

Friday – Read Haggai 2:20-23  How is Jesus like the Father’s signet ring?  In what ways are we like Jesus’ signet ring?  As a representative of Christ…. How well are you reflecting Him to those around you? EXEGETICAL – THEOLOGICAL – PEDAGOGICAL

NOTE: The bold in each point represents the subject of the unit – what the author was talking about, while the bold underline represents the complement – what the author was saying about what he was talking about. Together the subject and complement provide the proposition or big idea of each unit.

(Exegetical: What it meant to the Restored Remnant back THEN) THE RESULT OF THE “GLORY” OF THE FUTURE TEMPLE’S BEING GREATER THAN THE “GLORY” OF THE PAST TEMPLE, WHICH GLORY WOULD BE REALIZED IN A SHORT TIME WHEN THE LORD OF HOSTS RESTRUCTURES THE APPARENT AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSE, FOR WHICH REASON THE PEOPLE OF GOD WERE TO DEMONSTRATE STRONG COURAGE, EVEN THOUGH THE PRESENT TEMPLE SEEMED AS “NOTHING” . . . WOULD BE THAT THE LORD OF HOSTS WILL GRANT “SHALOM” FROM THAT COMING TEMPLE. NOTE: Haggai’s first message to the restored remnant had been obeyed and the work of rebuilding the Temple commenced (see 1:12, 14). The peoples’ priorities had been realigned with God’s priorities and their good work promised better days ahead. But . . . as the foundation of the Temple was surveyed, the materials gathered, and the framing begun, a cloud of discouragement settled over the faithful, but unpretentious remnant. Some of the 80 years and older crowd could see that this rebuilt Temple would display none of the grandeur and glory of the former Temple built by Solomon. To them it seemed as “nothing” in comparison. Were their efforts of any real significance? What did it matter that they were building such an inglorious structure? These people needed encouragement to keep them on task. That’s when the second message was delivered. I. The recipients of the Word of the Lord through Haggai the Prophet on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, October 17, 520 BC . . . were Zerubbabel, the political Governor of Judah; Joshua, the spiritual High Priest; and the remnant of the people (who had returned to the Promised Land some 16 years prior and who had finally begun rebuilding the Temple about one month earlier – see 1:15), (2:1-2). A. The time of the [second – cp. 1:1] coming of the Word of the Lord through Haggai the Prophet . . . was October 17, 520 BC, the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, (1). B. The Recipients of the Word of the Lord through Haggai the Prophet . . . were Zerubbabel, the political Governor of Judah; Joshua, the spiritual High Priest; and the remnant of the people (who had returned to the Promised Land some 16 years prior and who had finally begun rebuilding the Temple about one month earlier), (2). II. The content of the command of the Lord of Hosts through Haggai to Zerubbabel and to Joshua and to all the people, after exposing their false perspective in contrasting the present “nothingness” of the rebuilt Temple to the past “glory” of the former Temple and commanding them to be strong [three times – “Be strong”] and “Do” [the work of rebuilding the Temple] because He, the Lord, was with them based on the His Covenant with His people when they came out of Egypt and His Spirit abode among them . . . was, “Do not fear,” (2:3-5). A. The three-fold questions of the Prophet Haggai . . . exposed the false perspective of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant in contrasting the present “nothingness” of the rebuilt Temple to the past “glory” of the former [Solomon’s] Temple, (3). 1. The first question of the Prophet Haggai (“Who remains among you who saw this Temple in its former glory?”) . . . exposed the existence of an older contingent who contrasted the shame (“nothingness”) of the present [small and plain] rebuilt Temple to the glory of the past [huge and elaborate, Solomon’s] Temple, (See Ezra 3:8-13), (3a). 2. The second, rhetorical question of the Prophet Haggai (“And how do you see it now?”) . . . exposed the disappointment of those who contrasted the two Temples, (3b). 3. The third, rhetorical, hyperbolic question of the Prophet Haggai (“And is it not like ‘nothing’ in your estimation/in your eyes?”) . . . exposed the depth of the disappointment of those who contrasted the two Temples: this Temple was “nothing” in comparison, (3c). B. The content of the Lord of Hosts’ commands through Haggai to Zerubbabel and to Joshua and to all the people, because He was with them based on His Covenant with His people when they came out of Egypt and His Spirit abode among them . . . were, “Be strong, Be strong, Be strong, and Do [the work of rebuilding this Temple],” (4-5a). NOTE: One of God’s greatest promises is that He will be with His people. No task is impossible and no task is too small when God sets His people to a challenge. To how many individuals has God said, “I am with you”? And, of course, to Israel He had given the same promise. It was the basis of all hope and all motivation. What the flagging remnant needed was a prophetic dose of remembrance: “Be strong and do the work . . . I am with you!” 1. The content of the Lord of Hosts’ first commands through Haggai to Zerubbabel and to Joshua and to all the people . . . were, “Be Strong, Be Strong, Be Strong,” (4a). 2. The content of the Lord of Hosts’ second command through Haggai to Zerubbabel and to Joshua and to all the people . . . was, “Do [the work of rebuilding this Temple],” (4b). 3. The reason Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people were to be strong and do the work of rebuilding the Temple . . . was because the Lord of Hosts was with them (See 1:13), (4c). 4. The basis of the promise of the Lord of Host’s presence with His people, which was the cause/source of their being strong and doing the rebuilding of the Temple . . . was the Covenant He had made with them when they came out of Egypt and His Spirit abode among them (See Exodus 19-24 with 29:42-46) in the first Exodus [this present remnant being a second Exodus], (5a). C. The content of the Lord of Hosts’ concluding command through Haggai the Prophet to the faltering, but encouraged and challenged, remnant, as a consequence of His covenantal promise to be with His people . . . was, “Do not fear,” (5b). III. The result of the “Glory” of the future Temple’s being greater than the “Glory” of the past [Solomon’s] Temple, which Glory would be realized in a short time when the Lord of Hosts restructures the apparent authorities of the universe . . . would be that the Lord of Hosts will grant “Shalom” from that [soon] coming Temple, (2:6-9). NOTE: The problem with the remnant was that they were viewing their situation from their limited, human perspective. Haggai had asked, “How do you see it now? And is it like nothing in your eyes? (2:3). Indeed, they were missing the much bigger picture. God had been, was, and would be at work through His people and through His Temple . . . and from the perspective of all time and from eternity, it was one continuous undertaking to glorify Himself and grant shalom (peace/well-being) to the faithful. What appeared small to the remnant was a very important part of a most glorious whole. What an encouragement for these plodders, these triflers in a great cause. A. The content of the Lord of Host’s revelation, and a further reason (Hebrew “indeed/because”) not to fear (vs. 5b) . . . was that in a short time He would restructure the apparent authorities of the universe [in a reversal of fortunes], (6). NOTE: Here is another of those fantastic promises of God: the time will come when the proud and powerful will be humbled and the poor and lowly will be exalted. The “frog/shack” of a Temple will be transformed into a “prince/palace” of God’s glorious Presence among His people in His Kingdom of Shalom. B. The future results of the Lord of Host’s restructuring the apparent authorities of the universe . . . would be that the treasures of all the nations would pour into the Temple and that the Lord would fill this House (the Temple – seen as one continuing Temple) with Glory, (7). C. The reason [implied] the treasures of all the nations would pour into the Temple [as in the days of old, see 1 Kings 9-10 & 2 Chronicles 8-9] . . . was because the gold and silver belong to the Lord of Hosts, (8). NOTE: All of creation is God’s possession. The Temple is the focal point of God’s presence on earth. Therefore, all the wealth of the world, from the many nations, will flow to the nation of Israel and to the Temple. That is as it should be. All will be “right.” D. The real contrast between the Temples [past, present, and future], according to the Lord of Hosts . . . was that the “Glory” of the future Temple would, in reality, be greater than the “Glory” of the past, Solomon’s, Temple [through the Lord’s one, continuing work], (9a). E. The result [implied] of the “Glory” of the future Temple’s being greater than the “Glory” of the past [Solomon’s] Temple . . . would be that the Lord of Hosts will grant “Shalom” from that [soon] coming Temple, (9b). (Theological: What it means for God’s people ALWAYS) ANTICIPATING THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD’S COMING KINGDOM . . . ENCOURAGES AND MOTIVATES FAITHFUL SERVICE. I. Spiritual encouragement during times of physical disappointment . . . rests on the promise of God’s presence, (2:1-5). A. Physical circumstances which fall short of past glories . . . may provoke disappointment, (1-3). B. The promise of God’s presence . . . builds courage and service during times of physical discouragement, (4-5). II. The greater glory of God’s coming kingdom . . . grants the “Shalom” of His presence, (2:6-9). A. The greater glory of God’s coming kingdom . . . continues His present working among His people, (7-8). B. The greater glory of God’s coming Kingdom . . . grants the “Shalom” of His presence, (8-9).

(Pedagogical: What it means for us TODAY) SERVE THE LORD OF COMING GLORY. I. Your service for the Lord may seem insignificant. A. The work of the rebuilt Temple seemed insignificant, (1-3). B. Your service may seem insignificant . . . (Meeting in a bait house, meeting in an elementary school . . .) (Just teaching preschoolers, just taking meals to old folks . . .) (Merely praying for our missionaries, merely writing shut-ins . . .) (Only giving 10% to the Lord’s work, only visiting the sick . . .) C. There may not seem to be much “glory” in your service. (But, you must take on an eternal perspective . . . 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) II. The Lord’s coming glory builds strength and service. A. The Lord’s future glory would fill the Temple (“This House” - vss. 7, 9, 9) the remnant was building, (6-9). (Greater than Solomon’s Temple . . . 1 Kings 6:19-22; 8:10-11; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14). B. The Lord is building His glorious Church and His glorious Kingdom through the “insignificant” service of His people, (Ephesians 5:25-29, Hebrews 12:25-28). III. Therefore, SERVE THE LORD OF COMING GLORY, (4-5). A. Don’t be discouraged, (1-3 w/ Ezra 3:8-13). B. Be encouraged . . . Serve with energy and enthusiasm, (see 4a with Zechariah 4:8-10). C. The Lord is present as you serve Him, (4b-5). 1. The Lord was with the remnant, (4b-5). (They experienced a “Second Exodus” - Exodus 29:42-46). 2. The Lord is with you as you serve, (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

“The Past Is Prologue” = “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”