We Have a Problem

I. THE PRESENCE OF A PROBLEM (Haggai 1:1-2, 9)

A. Originating in Decisions (Haggai 1:1-2)

1. The expression of the heart—“This people say” (Haggai 1:2); “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34)
2. The thoughts of the heart
a. The time is not come.
b. The time that the LORD’S house should be built

B. Demonstrated in Actions (Haggai 1:9)

1. The LORD’S house was waste.
2. The people ran every man unto his own house.

II. THE MANIFESTATION OF A PROBLEM (Haggai 1:3-4, 6, 9-11)

A. The Initial Witness (Haggai 1:6, 9-11)

1. Their efforts (Haggai 1:6)
a. They sowed.
1.) They sowed much.
2.) They brought in little.
b. They ate.
1.) They ate.
2.) They had not enough.
c. They drank.
1.) They drank.
2.) They were not filled.
d. They clothed.
1.) They clothed themselves.
2.) There was none warm.
e. They earned.
1.) They earned wages.
2.) They were put into a bag with holes.
2. Their expectations (Haggai 1:9)
a. They looked for much.
b. It came to little.
3. God’s response (Haggai 1:9-11)
a. He blew (Haggai 1:9).
1.) They expected more than they were able to reap.
2.) Even the little that they were able to reap which was less than expected was blown up by the LORD in order to make it less.
b. He withheld (Haggai 1:10-11).

B. The Confirming Witness (Haggai 1:3-4)

1. The expression of God’s heart—“Then came the word of the LORD” (Haggai 1:3)
2. The thoughts of God’s heart
a. Is it time for you?
b. Ye dwell in your ceiled houses while this house lies waste.

III. THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM (Haggai 1:5, 7-8)

A. Originating in Decisions (Haggai 1:5, 7)

1. Consider your ways (Haggai 1:5)
2. Consider your ways (Haggai 1:7)

B. Demonstrated in Actions (Haggai 1:8)

1. Their actions
a. Go up to the mountain.
b. Bring wood.
c. Build the house.
2. God’s response
a. I will take pleasure in it.
b. I will be glorified.

IV. APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES

A. The Manifestations of a Problem

1. Lack of empathy (capacity to care for others)
2. Lack of response (no tears, no visible change)
3. Lack of reverence (for the preaching, for the singing, for the meeting-house)
4. Lack of spontaneous ministry (waiting to minister until told how, when, and why)
5. Lack of spiritual conversation and conduct (before service, during service, after service)
6. Lack of encouragement (criticism but no encouragement)
7. Lack of joy (sad countenances, unhappy homes)
8. Lack of dependency upon God (responses are fleshly and temporary)

B. The Presence of a Problem

1. Doctrine
2. Practice
3. Heart (i.e., carnality, bitterness, blatant disobedience, hypocrisy)

C. The Solution to the Problem

1. It originates in the mind or heart.
2. It will manifest itself in actions.