HAGGAI
HOLINESS
'This is what the Lord Almighty says: Give careful thought to your ways' 1:5
KEY INFORMATION
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WRITTEN TO: NOBLES AND ZERUBBABEL
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CHAPTERS: 2
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CENTURY WRITTEN: 6TH CENTURY B.C
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KEY BIBLE VERSE: HAGGAI 1:5
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BIBLE STORY LINK: CLICK HERE
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BOOK STRUCTURE:
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CHAPTER 1-1-16: PROPHET'S CALL TO BUILD THE TEMPLE
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CHAPTER 2:1-9: ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE PEOPLE IN RELATION TO GOD'S PRESENCE
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CHAPTER 2:10-19: AGAINST THE PARTIPATION OF BUILIDNG THE TEMPLE
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CHAPTER 2:20-23: ZERUBBABEL'S FUTURE STATUS
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LITERARY STYLE:
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POETRY
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BOOK OVERVIEW
The prophet Haggai was speaking to the Israelites after they had returned from Exile and were rebuilding the temple (it crosses over with the book of Ezra). Explain that this story centres on verses 10-19 (Ch 2) where Haggai plays a trick on the leaders of the time. He explains in a parable that their attempts to build this temple are defiled because they are not right before the Lord and are living unfaithfully. They are called to be a Holy nation (which means set apart) to live devoted to God in all their ways. This doesn't mean ignoring the world but it does mean that the way they live is not contaminated by the beliefs, ethics and practices of others.
1. Holiness is about being pure.
2. Being holy pleases God.
KEY TEACHING POINTS
1. Holiness means to be 'set apart'.
2. Being holy for God means to keep ourselves pure from sin.
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1. Holiness is about totally living Gods way and not the worlds.
2. We are 'set apart' to live for God. Distinct from this world.
AGE APPROPRIATE ADAPTATIONS
For the age of the children in Mini's you will need to explain how the Israelites did selfish things and that this doesn't please God.
For the age of the children in Kids Church you will need to explain that when the Israelites came back from exile, only when the people were obedient did they please God, living Holy lives with right priorities.
RESOURCES
