Sunday sermon 7 December 2025
Theme: Put Into Action… The Call to Rebuild
Key Scriptures: Haggai 1–2 (MSG)
“‘So get to work, Zerubbabel!’—God is speaking.
“‘Get to work, Joshua son of Jehozadak—high priest!’
“‘Get to work, all you people!’—God is speaking.
“‘Yes, get to work! For I am with you.’ The God-of-the-Angel-Armies is speaking! ‘Put into action the word I covenanted with you when you left Egypt. I’m living and breathing among you right now. Don’t be timid. Don’t hold back.’ “This is what God-of-the-Angel-Armies said: ‘Before you know it, I will shake up sky and earth, ocean and fields. And I’ll shake down all the godless nations. They’ll bring bushels of wealth and I will fill this Temple with splendor.’ God-of-the-Angel-Armies says so. ‘I own the silver, I own the gold.’ Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies. “‘This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.’ Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.” Haggai 2:4–9
Introduction (Vision and Action)
Haggai’s message came to a weary nation returning from exile. God’s people had started to rebuild His temple with great enthusiasm, but discouragement and distraction crept in. Their priorities shifted from God’s house to personal comfort. While they built fine homes for themselves, God’s temple remained in ruins. Through Haggai, the Lord reminded them: “Give careful thought to your ways.”
The purpose of vision is not just to inspire—it is to initiate action. Vision without obedience is like a seed never planted. God wanted His people to rise again and finish what they started, not in their own strength but in His presence.
In seasons of delay, God often sends a prophetic challenge to refocus His people. Haggai’s call was simple but strong: “Be strong, work, do not fear—for I am with you.” This threefold command reveals the process of divine partnership: inner courage, active obedience, and fearless faith.
This message is not just for Israel’s builders—it’s for today’s believers. God calls His people in this time of thanksgiving to rebuild broken walls, restore lost passion, and renew obedience. The question in Haggai’s time echoes now: Are we building God’s house, or just our own?
When we realign our priorities with heaven’s agenda, God’s glory fills our work. The glory of the latter house—the Church renewed in action and unity—will truly surpass the former.
This December, as we give thanks for God’s goodness, let thanksgiving move beyond words into active devotion. Gratitude must produce obedience. God is not only rebuilding walls—He is rebuilding hearts. Just as Haggai’s message stirred the remnant, may the Spirit stir us today to rise, rebuild, and return to the work of the Lord. The greater glory is coming, and God is calling us to take part in it.
1: Consider Your Ways (Haggai 1:5–7)
God’s first message through Haggai struck at the heart: “Give careful thought to your ways.” The people excused their delay, saying, “It’s not time yet to rebuild the Lord’s house.” But God asked, “Is it time for you to live in luxury while My house lies waste?” Their misplaced priorities had brought frustration—hard work with little fruit, harvest with emptiness.
When the spiritual foundation is neglected, all human effort feels hollow. Haggai shows that neglecting God’s purpose leads to dryness—financial, spiritual, and emotional. God doesn’t punish out of anger; He redirects out of love. He wanted His people to recognize that satisfaction and blessing come only when His purpose is first.
In our lives, “consider your ways” means evaluating what occupies our time and heart. Are we serving God’s vision or personal ambition? Thanksgiving becomes empty if gratitude does not lead to action. The moment the people obeyed and turned back to build, God said, “I am with you.” That presence changed everything.
Obedience always invites revival.
2: Be Strong (Haggai 2:4)
After calling the people to rebuild, God strengthened them with this word: “Be strong, all you people of the land.” Strength here is not mere human endurance but divine empowerment. The people had faced discouragement, mockery, and comparison. The new temple looked insignificant next to Solomon’s temple, and they doubted their effort’s worth.
But God looks beyond appearances. His command to “be strong” is a call to remain steadfast in faith even when outcomes seem small. Strength grows in the soil of obedience. As we act on God’s Word, heaven renews our courage and multiplies our strength.
Notice how in Haggai 2:4, the Lord repeats this command three times—to Zerubbabel, to Joshua, and to all the people. God doesn’t waste words. When He repeats Himself, it carries urgency and assurance. God called each by name and now calls your name too: “Be strong, be strong, be strong! Do not fear, for I am with you.”
In this season, God says, “Be strong in your calling, be strong in your service, be strong in your faith.” When you build God’s interests, He fortifies your own. Every weary servant, every intercessor, every pastor who feels overlooked—this word is for you: Do not give up. The Spirit of the Lord is still with you. True strength flows not from human effort but from His abiding presence.
3: Work (Haggai 1:14; 2:4)
God stirred the hearts of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the remnant, and they went to work on the house of the Lord (Haggai 1:14). Spiritual revival always moves from revelation to action. It’s easy to say we love God, but love manifests through labor.
Work in the kingdom is not drudgery—it’s privilege. It might be physical, emotional, or spiritual labor, but every part matters. God’s command “Work!” is His invitation to partnership. When we move, He multiplies.
Too many start well but stop halfway. Haggai reminds us that diligence finishes what desire begins. Even Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work.” When we work with pure motives and thankful hearts, God’s grace strengthens every effort.
Whatever you do this month—serve someone, pray faithfully, lead diligently—do it unto the Lord. The rebuilding may be slow, but the reward is sure. When our hands partner with heaven’s plan, His glory rests upon our work.
4: Do Not Fear (Haggai 2:5)
God assures His people, “Do not fear.” Fear stifles progress. The builders feared God assures His people, “Do not fear.” Fear stifles progress. The builders feared shortage, opposition, and disappointment. Yet, God anchored their confidence in His covenant promise: “My Spirit remains among you.”
There is no greater assurance than knowing God is with you. Fear whispers that it’s impossible, but God says the impossible is the platform for His glory. The Lord who called you to start will empower you to finish. Courage comes not from the absence of trouble but from awareness of His nearness.
Every act of faith challenges fear. Each time you rise, speak, serve, or give despite obstacles, you declare that your trust is greater than your fear. God is reminding His people: “You’re not alone in this rebuilding season. My presence is your power.”
Faithful hands that obey in courage will soon see visible glory. God’s peace will replace your doubts. Stand firm—He is with you.
Today, take courage and do not fear. When God calls your name, He speaks strength into your spirit. The same voice that calmed storms now calms your heart. Fear may come knocking, but it cannot stay where faith is alive. Lift up your head, for your Redeemer is near. You are not forgotten, not forsaken, and not finished.
God says, “I am with you—be strong, and do not fear.” Stand on this promise as a personal word for this season. Let courage rise where anxiety once ruled. You will finish strong, not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.
5: The Glory of the Latter House (Haggai 2:9)
“The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory,” says the Lord. “And in this place I will grant peace.”
What a promise! God declares that the best is not behind us, but ahead. The “latter glory” points to a future filled with His presence—fulfilled when Christ Himself entered the temple and later filled His Church with the Holy Spirit.
This is God’s pattern: after obedience comes glory. When His people rebuild with faith and humility, heaven responds with outpouring. That glory isn’t just gold and silver—it’s revival, peace, and transformed lives. God’s glory is the evidence of His presence and the signature of His favor.
Today, God promises that your latter end—your restored family, revived ministry, renewed faith—will outshine your beginning. What once was broken will bloom again because His Spirit lives among you. The glory will be greater because this time, it’s purified by obedience and anchored by His presence.
And this month, God’s glory will rest upon your life in a new dimension. Expect His light to shine through your home, your work, and your worship. His glory will attract divine opportunities, restore lost honor, and bring peace where there has been conflict. The same Spirit that filled the temple will fill your heart with joy unspeakable.
As you walk in thanksgiving and obedience, God’s glory will surround you like a shield. Where you once felt emptiness, His presence will bring fullness. This is the month of God’s glory in your life—rising, radiant, and unstoppable.
When we put our vision into action, He turns unfinished dreams into testimonies and replaces emptiness with peace. Glory always follows obedience.
This Week’s Declaration:
This week, I put my vision into action. I will be strong, I will work, I will not fear. The Spirit of the Lord is with me, empowering every effort and blessing every step. The glory of my latter days will surpass the former. I will finish what I started, for God’s presence fuels my strength. I declare that joy, peace, and glory rest upon my home, my ministry, and my church. This week, I rise to build, I rise to serve, and I rise to glorify my God!
This Week’s Reflection
Haggai’s message calls for personal reflection. Are there unfinished assignments in your life—visions or promises you began but never completed? It’s time to rebuild. God renews both strength and opportunity when we align our priorities.
Reflect on what “God’s house” means personally: your spiritual commitment, your family altar, your service in ministry. Thanksgiving becomes meaningful when gratitude produces obedience.
When you move in faith, God’s presence moves with you. The promise remains: The glory of the latter shall be greater than the former. Refocus, rebuild, and rejoice—your labor for God will not be in vain.
Self-Examination
- Have I neglected God’s work while focusing on personal comfort?
- Do I allow discouragement or comparison to weaken my determination?
- Am I obeying God’s instructions promptly or delaying under excuses?
- Do I still believe God’s glory can fill my life and work again?
Self-examination invites humility. The book of Haggai reminds us that renewal begins with repentance. When the people obeyed, God immediately declared, “I am with you.” That same promise is available today.
Take time this week to yield every unfinished area to God. Rebuild prayer, service, and devotion. Plant yourself in God’s purpose again—He will breathe life into what seemed lifeless. Wherever His Spirit dwells, glory will follow. You hold the tools; heaven provides the power.
Conclusion
Haggai’s two chapters form a cycle: correction, action, and glory. In chapter 1, God rebuked misplaced priorities. In chapter 2, He restored their confidence and promised future glory. The same God who challenged Israel challenges us today: “Give careful thought to your ways.”
We often labor for our own houses—careers, families, and comfort—while neglecting our spiritual foundations. Yet, God never condemns diligence; He calls for balance. Build your house, yes, but don’t forget His. Serve your home, but also serve His church. As you do, the Lord promises to fill everything with His peace.
“The glory of the latter house will be greater than the former.” God always ends better than He begins. What starts in repentance ends in revival. As we work faithfully and fearlessly, His Spirit will dwell among us.
In this month of thanksgiving, let gratitude move you into obedience. Thankfulness that doesn’t translate into service is incomplete. Begin again, build faithfully, and believe fully. For when God’s people rise to the call, His presence returns, His peace abounds, and His glory fills the house.
Altar Call
This is your rebuilding moment. Whatever has been unfinished—pray again, rebuild again, believe again. The Lord is saying, “Be strong, work, and do not fear.” His Spirit remains with you. If you’ve drifted from your call or lost your zeal, come and surrender anew. God restores strength to obey and courage to rebuild. The later glory of your life can be greater than the past. Step forward—recommit your hands and your heart. God is ready to fill your life with His peace and glory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking through the prophet Haggai to awaken our hearts. Forgive us where we have neglected Your work or delayed obedience. Stir our spirits anew to rebuild the things that honor You. Help us to be strong, to work diligently, and to overcome fear.
Lord, fill our lives and Your church with Your glory. Let Your peace reign in every heart and home. May our thanksgiving overflow in faithful service and joyful obedience. Revive Your work in our midst and manifest Your presence among us again. We declare that the glory of the latter shall be greater than the former, in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
God bless you abundantly.