ADVENT IN HAGGAI
Haggai 2:10-14
Part Three- “Why there is no JOY in our lives”
REVIEW: Haggai is a book of Advent and there are four truths we have been using in our Advent celebrations. [LOVE] Misplaced Priorities = distraction (1:1-15), [PEACE] Shattered Expectations = discouragement (2:1-9), [JOY] Bad Influences = defilement (2:10-19), [HOPE] Aimless Living = direction (2:20-23).
There is an interesting progression here- distracted-discouraged-defiled. Are you willing then, to separate yourselves from those things that defile, entangle, quench and grieve the Spirit of God?
WHY DOES HAGGAI BRING UP THE WHOLE ISSUE OF OLD TESTAMENT PURITY LAWS? He wanted to explain why the circumstances of the people had not markedly changed even though they were now busy building the Temple (2:11).
SPIRITUAL CHEMISTRY- The classic glove in the mud puddle. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Are we made holy by association? No, if a holy thing touches something common. Lev. 6:27
Are we corrupted by association? Yes, if a defiled thing touches something common. Numbers 19:22
SPIRITUAL GRAVITY- The blight (disciplinary disasters) had not moved the people to repent. “Yet, you turned not to me” (2:17). God was frustrating everything they did- Like Saul in Acts 9:5 “It is hard for you to kick against the goads”, and yet they plowed forward.
HAGGAI STRESSES THAT HOLDING “TEMPLE STONES” DOESN’T MAKE YOU HOLY
Because it is a heart issue- Literally this is what “Consider” means in Hebrew- Take it to heart. Christians too always need to distinguish between imputed and imparted righteousness. EZRA 7:10 Think about it!
TAKE THIS TO HEART- v.15,18
· Take the causes of your frustration to heart- 2:15-17 Why? You didn’t repent and draw near me.
· Take the blessings which you will receive to heart- 2:18-19 You were impatient.
Only when we get serious about the influences in our lives will we know the joy we should experience in living the Christian life (Romans 14:17).
HOW THEN DO WE LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? REMEMBER FOUR THINGS…
· Deliverance is not the motive Dan. 3:17-18
· Prosperity is not the bottom line 1 Timothy 6:5
· Social success is not the ladder of advancement John 13:14
· Health is not miracle moment Psalm 119:75
But glorifying God…. (Haggai 1:8) Trust God’s promises to bless us- Put it on your calendar-Sept. 24th (v.19)