The Homebuilder

Introduction:

· Lessons from the bakery

LET’S LOOK AT THE PROBLEM OF MISPLACED PRIORITIES, GOD’S DESIRE FOR A TEMPLE, AND THE POWER FOR PERSONAL CHANGE

I) The Problem of Misplaced Priorities

A. When Other Pursuits Become a Priority

i. Setting: A Drought Slows the Rebuilding (vs. 1)

1. Babylon àPersia, and after 70 years, Cyrus releases exiles to rebuild

2. Tough Economic Times meant Judah neglected the temple

ii. “It’s not yet time…” (vs. 2, vv. 9-11)

1. NOT: Don’t need a temple, but just not a priority under these conditions

2. Sometimes there seem to be “good” reasons NOT to obey…

3. ILLUSTRATION: Church Planting in a denominationally tough time…

iii. “Busy dwelling in our own house” (vs. 9)

1. OR, like Judah, we prioritize our “homes” putting God on the edge

2. What is the centerpiece of our life? Spiritual things can wait…till life slows down, the kids are in school the hous is paid off

B. The Results of Misplaced Priorities

i. Other “priorities” will never satisfy (vv. 5-6)

1. The people worked hard – yet other priorities failed to satisfy

2. When something else is “centerpiece” we will never be satisfied

ii. God withholds his blessing (vv. 9-10)

1. We think if God is somewhere in our life, it’s sufficient

2. God withholds His blessing when we focus only on OUR needs

WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?

II) God’s Priority: Build The Church!

A. God Desires A Dwelling Place (vv. 7-8)

i. God desires a temple as an expression of Loving Devotion

1. But: David wanted to build a temple…and God said no! So…? (2 Samuel 7:7)

2 Samuel 7:7 ESV

In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ’

2. God wasn’t homeless; he desired His people show their love for Him

ii. God desires obedience rooted in Faith (vs. 8)

1. For that reason, God tells Judah to get busy building!

2. This act of obedience required faith, sacrifice,

B. God is building a new temple today: (Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5 )

i. God’s new temple is a spiritual dwelling place 1 Peter 2:4-5

1 Peter 2:4–5 ESV

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1. God’s new dwelling: not a building; a community rooted in Christ

2. God “stirred Judah’s hearts; so he invites us to join His building project

ii. How do we prioritize God’s “temple-building” today?

1. We prioritize building God’s temple through Worship:(see vs. 8)

2. We prioritize building God’s temple through service in the church

3. We prioritize building God’s temple through community

HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN?

III) The Power for Change

A. Consider your Ways: Self-Examination Reveals God’s Hand At Work

i. God invites His people to “Give careful thought to…” (vs. 5)

1. …the priorities of our heart: Self-reflection leads to renewal

2. …whether some of the adversity in our life stems from God’s discipline

ii. God urges His people to Consider: (vs. 7)

1. To “consider” also means to change actions

2. What might God be inviting you to do?

B. Fear & Awe Lead to Obedience (vv. 12-15)

i. The Pattern of Response of God’s People

1. Fear: The “Lord of hosts” compels obedience (vs. 12)

2. Promise of God: God dwells with Judah assured His people(vs. 13)

ii. The Power of the Cross

1. The Greatest glory: The one who loves us enough to give all

2. The Greatest Presence: The one who dwells and remains with us

Transition:

Conclusion

Revisiting the bakery