Salvation, 4 - Who is Jesus?

First, quote Eph 2.8, 9 - “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Okay, we've heard salvation testimony of people you know (me, Mrs. Janet, Cade) and of one you didn't know (Saul/Paul). Let's examine who called each one to His service.

• Who is Jesus?  

• What do  you know about Jesus?

Well, Matthew 1.23 says, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

However, over 700 years before that, let's read what the prophet Isaiah said:

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (9.2) For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (9.6, 7)

Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, (42.5-8)

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (60.1-3)

John the Baptist said: “...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, After me cometh a Man which is preferred before me: for He was before me. And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! ” (Jn 1.29, 30, 36)

Names from the scriptures we just read:

• In Isaiah He is described as:

“a Great Light, Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, Child, Son, Creator, Life giver, Promise, Light to the Gentiles, Light for the blind, Lord,”

• Matthew said He was “ Emmanuel,...”or “God with us”
• John the Baptist said He was: “the Lamb of God and man”

1. Was He man?
2. Was He God?
3. Would you say He was “the Godman?”

Okay, back to the beginning – born in a stable in Bethlehem of a virgin girl – He had 10 fingers, 10 toes. He cried, He felt cold, He got hungry, He knew pain – yet at the age of 12, well listen to this: “And it came to pass, that after three days they (His parents) found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at His understanding and answers. And when they (His parents) saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (Lk 2.46-49)
“About My Father's business?” Wasn't Joseph His Father? (yes, His earthly caretaker)
But one day while talking with the religious folks and others who were curious about Him, He told them (Mt 12.48-50) “...Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And He stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!bFor whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Let's examine the question again, “Who IS Jesus?”
I know who He is and what He is to me, do you?
Let me give you my testimony again. After that, if you've been saved I would like to hear your testimony. That is, I want you to tell me what happened when He saved you. When did you know you would go to heaven and not that awful place of eternal torment? Do you know you will see Jesus in all of His glory one day in the eternal home that is heaven?

In Closing:

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"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."—Luke 2:19.

HERE was an exercise, on the part of this blessed woman, of three powers of her being: her memory—she kept all these things; her affections—she kept them in her heart; her intellect—she pondered them; so that memory, affection, and understanding, were all exercised about the things which she had heard. Beloved, remember what you have heard of your Lord Jesus, and what He has done for you; make your heart the golden pot of manna to preserve the memorial of the heavenly bread whereon you have fed in days gone by. Let your memory treasure up everything about Christ which you have either felt, or known, or believed, and then let your fond affections hold Him fast for evermore. Love the person of your Lord! Bring forth the alabaster box of your heart, even though it be broken, and let all the precious ointment of your affection come streaming on His pierced feet. Let your intellect be exercised concerning the Lord Jesus. Meditate upon what you read: stop not at the surface; dive into the depths. Be not as the swallow which toucheth the brook with her wing, but as the fish which penetrates the lowest wave. Abide with your Lord: let Him not be to you as a wayfaring man, that tarrieth for a night, but constrain Him, saying, "Abide with us, for the day is far spent." Hold Him, and do not let Him go. The word "ponder, ' means to weigh. Make ready the balances of judgment. Oh, but where are the scales that can weigh the Lord Christ? "He taketh up the isles as a very little thing:"—who shall take Him up? "He weigheth the mountains in scales"—in what scales shall we weigh Him? Be it so, if your understanding cannot comprehend, let your affections apprehend; and if your spirit cannot compass the Lord Jesus in the grasp of understanding, let it embrace Him in the arms of affection. (CH Spurgeon)

Salvation, 3

Do you know Him? (Eph 2.8, 9)

After the “scales fell off his eyes, (and) he was strengthed with meat,”

What did Saul/Paul do next?

He; “preached Christ...the Son of God.” (Acts 9.20)

So, to answer the question;“Do you know Him?” let's dig a little deeper.

• Saul had indeed “met Him” on the road to Damascus. What did He do with that knowledge?
• According to our text verse, he, “preached Christ...the Son of God.”

Romans 2.21 says “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?”

In other words, why would a believer speak of something or someone they did not know? They don't!

What does it mean to “preach?”

In the Hebrew “preach” is: to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim (to proclaim means you don't need any feedback, you are convinced of the subject you are “proclaiming!”)

What have you heard preached about Him? Or What do you know about Him?
Let's take a trivia quiz and find out:

1. While in Bethany, Jesus brought a good friend of his back to life. What was that man's name?

Simon Lazarus Nicodemus Paul

2. How many times did Jesus come back to wake the disciples when they were caught sleeping while Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane?

Five Three Twice Once

3. In what city did Jesus, Mary, and Joseph live?

Bethlehem Nazareth Bethany Cana

4. For the first miracle performed by Jesus, He turned water into what liquid while at a wedding with his mother and friends? Wine Milk Tea Blood

5. What sea did Jesus calm in Mark 4 with just the words, "Peace be still"?

Sea of Galilee Flores Sea Black Sea Wadden Sea

6. In what city did Mary give birth to Jesus?

Jerusalem Nazareth Bethlehem Canaan

7. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, what bird came down from Heaven?

Eagle Robin Dove Cardinal

8. Which disciple was not in Bethany when Jesus ascended into Heaven in Luke 24?

Thomas Matthew Peter Judas

9. How old was Jesus when he first talked to the elders at the temple in Jerusalem?

Twelve Ten Thirteen Five

10. What is another name for Calvary, the place where Jesus was crucified?

Bethany Golgotha Capernaum Gethsemane

1. Now, what did Paul preach about Him in the beginning? He was the God-man

In the book of Romans we find these things about the Lord Jesus from the mouth of Paul;

Paul acknowledges the Jesus was man; He says in Rom 1.3 “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.” and that He was God, 1.4 “And declared the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead.”

He says, “I know He was God because of His resurrection from the dead, and I know He was man because He was born of the flesh” when one hears how the virgin conceived and bare Him.”

2. What else does Paul have to say about salvation? In Rom 1.16 he says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth:” You see, the message of salvation must be preached in the “power of God,” else it is of none effect. Kind of like that dead clock that is right twice a day! In other words, when you really “hear it” for the first time it is because “the power of God” is on the man that preached it.

3. What does he follow up with? “The just shall live by faith.” Rom 1.17. When one believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection, one will follow on “by faith” in all that is given to ones heart according to scriptures. There is so much to know in the bible that you will never get to the end of it. It's been said this way, the bible is “inexhaustible.” But one thing is for sure, you will have “joy unspeakable and full of glory,” in the learning and doing.

Let us go back to our memory verse for this study: (write in parts on white board)

1. “For by grace are ye saved 2.THROUGH faith; 3.and that not of yourselves: 4.it is the gift of God. 5.Not of works, lets any man should boast.” (Eph 2.8,9) (5 parts because 5 = “grace”)

What makes the way for being saved? Grace

How? Through faith

Did you have anything to do with it? NO, “not of yourselves”

How did you obtain it or get it? It is a GIFT of God”

Do you have bragging rights to getting saved and delivered from eternal torment? NO, “not of works lest any man should boast”

What is your end if you never believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? Hell, eternal damantion/torment

Are you beginning to see that Salvation is very real?

Do you see that it (salvation) is necessary to living your life the way God meant for you to live it? You cannot live your life the way God intended if you are not saved. It is of no value or purpose without the Lord Jesus.

To further emphasize the importance of Salvation, did you know that at the day of judgment you will be “without excuse?” (Rom 1.20, 2.1) God will not hear “but I went to church.” He will say, “depart, I never knew you.” (Mt 7.23)

Where is it you will go? Away from fellowship with God, believers and eternal goodness. In other words, hell or “outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth...where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.” Matt 8:12, 22:13,25:30, Mk 9:44, 9:46, 9:48

Hell is as eternal as Heaven...

When you are judged for the deeds done in the body the only real answer you may offer the Lord is that you trusted in the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection to do those things you are now judged for. You will, quite justly so, be “without excuse.”

It's not my business to tell you are or are not saved. It's my business, to tell you about salvation and the business of the preacher to “preach” about it. Salvation “by grace through faith” and the death burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus is what Paul preached when the “scales fell from his eyes (and he was) strengthened with meat (or the Word of the Lord).

What is your testimony? Do you know Him?

Simply put, Paul preached Jesus and what He did for Paul.

That should be your testimony, Has HE done anything for you?

Salvation, part 2

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves,

it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2.8, 9)

Last week you heard the salvation testimony of a preacher's wife, an 18 y.o. (from 6 to 15 to 18), then the pastors grandson, age 7, playing alone when the Lord spoke to him.

Then we talked a little bit about the story of the Apostle Paul. This is where I would like to expand.

First, let's review his conversion. Looking at the pictures what's first? 

1. 

   A light shone round about him, blinding him, then a voice spoke which only he heard.
2. Remember, this man was send to “make havoc of the church.” In his possession he had letters permitting him to bring anyone naming the name of Christ to Jerusalem to put in prison or condemned to death. He was one to be feared.
3. In Acts 9.18 we read that the “scales fell from his eyes.” That is, he was quite literally stopped in his tracks by God so that the Lord could tell him what His purpose was for the apostle's life. Sometimes, the only way God can get one's attention is something so drastic there is no choice but for this one to STOP and listen!

Secondly, after his conversion and baptism he was “strengthened with meat.” v19

What does this mean? What would make you stronger and satisfied longer, a piece of candy or your favorite cut of beef?

What is the first nutrition given to a baby? Of course, milk

• When one is converted and baptized the next step is to find a bible believing church and begin to “grow.” We are told in I Pet 2.2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

• A newborn christian is the same. Meat/strong preaching will come but milk/regular church attendance is necessary to advance/grow.
• Anything (other than serious illness) that replaces regular church attendance will certainly “stunt” one's growth as a christian. One may windup a spiritual midget, which is unnatural, all because of irregular church attendance.

• The only way a newborn christian can “grow” is in a church where the preacher preaches the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. One can't learn from just any man even though we know that the Lord said His word would not “return void.” (Isa 55.11) Which means it will hit it's mark in the heart of the believer who is really listening.
• It is equally important that a baby christian be under the sound of a man of God who has been filled with the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, all that is heard is a “sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” (I Cor 13.1)
• When one is in this environment, one can “grow” spiritually. You SS teacher may have taught lessons on “Who Jesus Is or Biblical Behavior,” but you can't really “grow” until you've heard the same from a pulpit that is baptized in the power of the Holy Spirit. Trust me when I say, you have that at GBC.
• You will be “strengthened,” spiritually when you have these things.

Are you beginning to see that Salvation is very real?

Do you see that it is necessary to living your life the way God meant for you to live it? You cannot live your life the way God intended if you are not saved. It is of no value or purpose without the Lord Jesus.

To further emphasize the importance of Salvation, did you know that at the day of judgment you will be “without excuse?” (Rom 1.20, 2.1) God will not hear “but I went to church.” He will say, “depart, I never knew you.” (Mt 7.23)

Where is it you will go? Away from fellowship with God, believers and eternal goodness. In other words, hell or “outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth...where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.”  (Mt 8.12, 22.13, 25.30, Mk 9.44, 46, 48)

Hell is as eternal as Heaven...

When you are judged for the deeds done in the body the only real answer you may offer the Lord is that you trusted in the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection to do those things you are now judged for. You will, quite justly so, be “without excuse.”

It's not my business to tell you are or are not saved. It's my business, to tell you about salvation. This is what Paul did when the “scales fell from his eyes (and he was) strengthened with meat (or the Word of the Lord)

Next study, Salvation

After completing the series "Making much of Jesus," from Genesis to Malachi (not sure where the last study went to), the Lord impressed my heart towards "Biblical Behavior."  I won't labor any one point but we discussed how each of the following can be used for good if one follows the bible on them or for ill if one doesn't; the tongue, the mind, wisdom, pride, keeping the heart, waiting on the Lord, time and what one does with it.

Today, I began; "Salvation."  I do not know the hearts of my students but the intent is for them to examine themselves in light of whether they have trusted the Lord Jesus.
An appropriate introduction seemed to look at the conversion of Saul.  Truly it was an epic beginning to the christian life of a man who formally wanted to imprison and kill Christians.
We started with something real and concrete the kids could see, touch and feel.  That is, the testimony of the lost pastor's wife who had been taught to go to church from an early age and whose lost daddy wanted her to observe "other kids" begin baptized; an 18 y.o. who the Lord began dealing with at the age of 6 before she surrendered, even though brought up in church but in a stormy household; and finally, a 16 y.o., who was a preachers grandson and saved at the tender age of 7 at home while playing ball by himself.  Thus, discrediting naysayers who might say the Grandfather Preacher coerced him into it.
We read about the conversion of Saul and how "the scales fell from his eyes." (Acts 1.18)  Then the next step in obedience to faith in the Lord Jesus, baptism.
Lord willing, it is on my heart to continue teaching about this conversion.  After that, the outline below:

Salvation, the lesson

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lets any man should boast.” (Eph 2.8, 9)

The Apostle Paul – what's his story?  Acts 9.1-22

The Apostle Paul's story:

• Jesus had already ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Ghost (Acts 2.4) as promised.
• The Holy Ghost is the one “called alongside to help.”
• The Lord's disciple, Stephen, had preached in the power of the Holy Ghost which had come in so much conviction that the people “stopped their ears” and “stoned” him: then “laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.” (Acts 7.57, 58) (Yes, conviction has the tendencey/power to make one MAD/SAD when one see's their sins as God see's them)
• The next scene finds “Saul consenting unto (Stephen's) death. And at that time there was 'great' persecution against the church...at Jerusalem...As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house and (dragging off) men and women (and putting them into) prison.” (Acts 8.1-3)
• “And Saul. Yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters...that if he found any of this way whether...men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9.1,2)
• It goes without saying, that early christians were afraid of this man. He was known for killing or putting into prison, anyone who named the name of Christ. He was a religious Pharisee (Acts 23.6).

But something very significant in the birth of Christianity was getting ready to happen – this same “Saul” - well, read on

?ACTIVITY: children blind folded, “stumbling around in darkness until light is turned on”

READ Acts 9.1-31 for remainder of story, discuss talking points below – then listen to youtube (audio only) “The road to Damascus,” BibleVideos.org.

• Acts 9.1-18

I. “scales fell off his eyes” v18

• “suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:...And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”
• What does it mean when it says, “Scales fell off his eyes?
• Scales - (W)the small shell or crust which composes a part of the covering of a fish; any thin layer exfoliated or separated (G3013) to strip off the rind or husk, to peel
• If we are to take the meaning literally, “the covering or layer was separated like the peeling of the rind of a fruit or as one “husks” or “shucks” corn.
• So, if a layer needed to be “peeled or stripped” away, then something was being hidden behind that layer. What was being hidden from Saul, the killer of christians?
• It is obvious he didn't see what the Lord wanted him to see.
• Do you see clearly concerning things of God?
• Saul honestly thought he was doing the right thing by persecuting and killing christians.
• Have you ever thought you were doing the right thing and discovered by the scriptures that you were not?
• For example: We are told plainly in the 10 commandments, “Thou shalt not lie.” But when your mom asked if you had eaten all your peas, did you say “yes,” when you really covered them up or threw them out before she caught you? What made you “lie” and not tell the whole truth? Do you really believe the commandment, “thou shalt not lie,” or only as it applies to your logic?

While this is not as strong or seems as bad as what Saul was doing, it's the same principal. You honesly convinced yourself it was alright to lie in this instance.

I would add that if there “shone round about him a light from heaven,” then it reasons that he walked in darkness concerning things of God before that event. Just like the example above – he thought he was doing right when “the scales” fell off and the Lord was going to point him in the right direction.

Do you stumble around in darkness of what is right to do or do you see clearly from scriptures what is right to do?

Have you trusted the Lord to shine the light in your heart and repent of your sins and trust that He died for you, thus acknowledging that He took “the scales” from your eyes to see His way instead of yours?

Activity: have students relay, in their own words, what happened at the conversion of Saul/Paul

II. “strengthed with meat” v19 - “meat” is another word for scripture

III. immediately “preached Christ...the Son of God” - he never hesitated to tell who Jesus was and what He did for him

IV. all noticed his boldness in things of God v21 – folks will be “amazed” at you too when you know Him and testify of Him and they see a change in your life.

Making much of Jesus

Zechariah – God remembered

“...the apple of His eye” (2.8)

Lesson point: Do you really understand how much the Lord Jesus cares for you?

Our key verse today is (2.8) the apple of the eye is another word given for the pupil and means “to hollow out.”

1. The book of Zechariah opens up with visions of “a man riding on a red horse, myrtle trees, speckled and white horses. (1.8) Many other visions are given to this prophet in the way of dreams. All this is signficant for the people for a future date. But we will not spend time on examining them at this time.

• The Lord sometimes gives a warning or a sense of things to come to help us when we don't understand circumstances.
• For example – the year before a major negative event took place in my life I had the following things occur: a snake slithering across the driveway looking straight at me! He slithered off without incident; A storage building burned to the ground taking all our yard tools with it, fortunately the fire dept put out the fire before it could get out of control towards my house or the neighbors; my husband called late one night on the way home from work and said his brakes went out would I come pick him up.
• I'm not saying every negative event points to a bad thing happening but it's wise to pray about these things to find out if there is something that should be learned from it. If not, simply trust that the Lord has a purpose...

2. Then the Lord says He is “jealous for Jerusalem.” (1.14) He wants to comfort the post exiled people who have lost and suffered so much.

• He understands and knows when His children suffer...So it is with believers -

3. Now, Cut out the apple and when done stop and I will show you how to cut out the hole in the middle.

Then, look through the hole.

What do you see?

Look at the same object with both eyes, what do you see?

Do you see more or less when looking through the hole

Obviously, you see less – but would you say you are focused more when looking through the hole or when looking through both eyes?

Of course, when looking through the hole with one eye. So it is with the Lord when He tells us we are “....the apple of His eye.” He is focused on individuals, with purpose and intent if one belongs to Him.

• As noted in our key verse, scripture tells us “he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.” (2.8)
• Do you like it when someone touches the center of your eye or something gets in your eye so that it tears up and you can't see clearly what is in front of you? No, of course not
• Well, the Lord is very particular when someone “touches” one of His children. In fact, if someone harms you in any way, I wouldn't want to be standing in their shoes when God visits judgment on that person!

• A few more verses about how the Lord feels regarding “the apple of His eye.”

Deu 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. (stays focused on where you are at all times, do you know where you are with Him?)

Psa 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Such tenderness to keep us from harm according to His will. We are in the center of His field of vision and He even “hides us under His wings.” Another comforting thought when all around is stormy and dark.

Pro 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. His one request is that we keep His Word and His law in the same way, the CENTER of everything we do.

If He cares so much for us how is it that we can walk IN the CENTER of His vision or the “apple of His eye?

4. Through the One who is known as “my Servant the Branch.” 3.8 The Lord Jesus is referred to as “the branch,” in Isa 4.2, 11.1; Jer 23.5, 33.15), that is, the Messiah, “of the seed of David according to the flesh.”

But HOW can we stay in the center of His view even when we know Him through the Lord Jesus?

5. Then, we are comforted by these words: “...Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of hosts.” (4.6) Remember, we have been promised “the Comforter” by the Lord Jesus Himself, which is the Holy Ghost who shows up in Acts 2.

6. How is it one can “know” Him? Especially, since according Zechariah tells us in (13.6) “(He was) wounded in the house of (His) friends...” Where did He get those wounds? At Calvary

Okay, to recap:

1. He warns through dreams
2. He is jealous of His people
3. His people are the center of His focus or “the apple of His eye.”
4. He gave us “the way, the truth and the life,” in His “Servant the Branch” who is the Lord Jesus
5. We don't have to go in our own strength because it is by “His might, power and Spirit” life can be at it's best
6. We can know Him because of the “wounds” He received “in the house of His friends.”

As a believer, do you see the Lord Jesus in the book of Zechariah? Where? The Servant Branch, the wounds in His hands

Do you believe you are “the apple of His eye?”

If not, where can you find out? At Calvary

Are you the reason He has “wounds in His hands?”

Do you want to take comfort in the truth that you are always in the center of His focus? You can if you have trusted and believed on Him to forgive you of your sins and confessed Him as Lord and Saviour and then live for Him with all the light you have.

Look through your apple one more time – Does He see you that way? He does, if you belong to Him

Haggai

Haggai – name means festive

“...consider your ways.” (1.5,7)

Consider your ways activity using thumbs up/down props:

Reading my bible before bed

Running in and out during preaching time

Answering the best I can when asked a question

Paying attention to the preacher

1. Giving the TV/gaming/internet more time than God (No other gods before Me)
2. Ignoring my favorite (whatever) when time to read the bible (No graven image)
3. Listening to other people/movies/TV use the Lord's name in vain (not take My Name in vain)
4. Going to an activity/amusement/anything else other than church on Sunday (remember the sabbath...)
5. Mom said not to but she really doesn't mean it (honor thy father and mother)
6. I will trust the Lord to take care of those who bully me, I will pray for them (Thou shalt not kill)
7. I will be faithful to my friend (thou shalt not commit adultery)
8. No one is looking I want that (thou shalt not steal)
9. I broke the candy dish but I will say someone else did or it fell off (bear false witness)
10. She has the thing I wanted and I am glad for her (not covet)

“...consider your ways.”

• The following takes place in just 3 short months...(over 2500 years ago)
• This little book opens with the people back in their homeland, Israel. They are back after 70 years of Babylonian captivity. The Lord, through Haggai, admonishes them to “consider your ways.” (1.5, 7)

Why would He say that?

Well, look at 1.6, “Ye have sown much, and bring in little, yet eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put into a bag with holes.”

Not doing too well, are they?

Wonder what the problem is?

• Look at 1.8; they were told to “Go up..and build the house..” ( i.e., the house of the Lord) but as usual what do they do? They put time, money and effort in themselves by building their own houses, while the temple of the Lord lay in ruins, from it's destruction when they were taken captive 70 years before.

They are neglecting the Lord's house in favor of their own!

Are you neglecting God's business?

• Even when they are compelled to build it back – subpar materials are used. It will never be the glorious and magnificent building it was 500 years before when Solomon built it. They don't give their best in spite of their history of God's deliverance again and again. So, of course, they are discouraged – because they did not give their BEST to the Lord!
• The prophet teaches (2.10-19) – that if they don't turn from impurity and apathy then whatever they put their hands to is unclean, just as their hearts are. Only true repentance and faithfulness will bring God's blessing
• However, the blessed Lord who loves His people, always gives hope when it seems there is none. So the prophet tells if (2.20-23) about the future hope for Israel. He tells of the enemy being “overthrown.”
  “...consider your ways.”
  
  
  Will Haggai's generation be faithful to God? One must read the final two books of the OT to find out.
  Will your generation be faithful to God?
  
  
  
  
  Using your thumbs again – answer this question, Are you doing your best for the Master as you “consider your ways?