Haggai Wk. 9 November 11, 2021

Introduction

Let’s read the final verses of Haggai together:

Haggai 2:20–23 ESV

20 The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, 22 and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. 23 On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

Who was Zerubabel?

Ezra 2:2

He was a ____________________ of the people

I Chron 3:17-19 .

He came from a _________________ royal line

Matthew 1:21.

He was an __________________________

What is a signet ring and what was it used for?

What did it mean for Zerubabel to be described as God’s signet ring?

Why did Zerubabel need to be encouraged?

Ezra 4:1-5.

This isn’t the only time God spoke through a prophet to encourage Zerubabel

Zechariah 4:6–9 ESV

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. 7 Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ ” 8 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.

How should we apply God’s encouragement to Zerubabel to our lives today?

One:

Two:

Mark 11:22-23.

Three:

Phil 1:6.

Christians and Politics

Given our discussion about Zerubabel today how should we think about politicians and politics?

I Tim. 2:1-2.

Discussion

Should more Christians become involved in politics?

We are called to submit to the state (Rom 13:1). How do we live if our faith contradicts the demands of the state?

How can we be effective at leading in secular contexts while still maintaining our witness and actually sharing our faith?