September 20 Companion Sermons
Be Strong and Work
Haggai 2:1–9
Ed Rangel · September 20, 2026 · PM
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God’s presence gives us courage to work before circumstances feel settled
Haggai 2:1–9
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We can postpone obedience without ever saying no to God
The person who needs encouragement is still waiting
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God knows our limits
Have we made settled circumstances a condition for serving?
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On the twenty-first of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet saying,
Haggai 2:1 · NASB
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"Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people saying,
Haggai 2:2 · NASB
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'Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?
Haggai 2:3 · NASB
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'But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD, 'take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,' declares the LORD, 'and work; for I am with you,' declares the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:4 · NASB
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'As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!'
Haggai 2:5 · NASB
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"For thus says the LORD of hosts, ' Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land.
Haggai 2:6 · NASB
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'I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:7 · NASB
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'The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,' declares the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:8 · NASB
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'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says the LORD of hosts, 'and in this place I will give peace,' declares the LORD of hosts."
Haggai 2:9 · NASB
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God Sees What Discourages His People
Haggai 2:1–3
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A faithful beginning does not mean every day afterward will feel strong
God addressed the people in their discouragement
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Reduced capacity does not make faithful service worthless
One call can reach someone who needs care
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II
His Presence Gives Us Courage to Work
Haggai 2:4–5
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Leadership must respond, and the people share the responsibility
No one person carries the whole work alone
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Their confidence rests on God’s presence
His covenant faithfulness gives them reason to work
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Needed care and rest can be faithful responses
We must examine whether fear is delaying something we can do
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Elijah felt alone
God provided food and rest before giving him renewed work
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" Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him."
1 Kings 19:18 · NASB
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There was service ahead and someone to serve alongside him
Elijah went onward and found Elisha
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The trouble need not claim every thought or prevent every act of love
A manageable act of service can give our attention a faithful purpose
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We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 · NASB
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pray without ceasing;
1 Thessalonians 5:17 · NASB
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Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 · NASB
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III
God’s Promise Reaches Beyond What We Can See
Haggai 2:6–9
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God’s resources exceed what the builders can see
Their present circumstances do not limit His ability
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God’s promise gives their labor a future they cannot yet see
Our confidence must rest on what God has actually promised
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Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
Hebrews 12:28 · NASB
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Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
John 2:19 · NASB
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Jesus spoke of the temple of His body
His words pointed to His death and resurrection
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But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 · NASB
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and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.
Ephesians 2:16 · NASB
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in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:22 · NASB
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Christ’s death and resurrection give us reason to serve now
We do not have to wait for an easier week
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Begin with the person and pray together
Listen to the need before deciding how to respond
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Agree on a specific way to share the load
A task, a visit, a meal, or a ride can make a difference
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A clear agreement
Who will help
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What needs doing
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When it is needed
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When to check back
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Keep helping as your brother takes the next faithful step
Choose a task within your strength and begin prayerfully
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So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,
Ephesians 2:19 · NASB
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Give others an honest way to help
Name what you need and what kind of contact you can manage
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Receiving help can show the church humble dependence
Ask for assistance and take the next step that is yours
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Christ brings us near to God and gives us lasting hope
Trust Him and help one another take the next faithful step
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Renew your obedience and receive the help you need
You can begin with a private conversation
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Come to the Savior who died and rose again
Do not make an easier life the condition for coming to Christ
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And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 · NASB
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Begin a faithful life with the Savior who gave Himself for you
Haggai 2:4
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