Be Strong and Work
Purpose: Recognize discouragement, trust God’s presence, and practice giving and receiving help.
Thesis: God’s presence gives us courage to do His work before circumstances feel settled.
Memory verse — Galatians 6:2 (NASB 1995):
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
1. God sees discouragement — Haggai 2:1–3
The builders compared the present temple with its former glory. God addressed their leaders and the people.
How can comparison with the past weaken present obedience?
2. Courage to work — Haggai 2:4–5
God joined the command to work with assurance of His presence and covenant faithfulness.
What reason did God give for taking courage?
How is receiving needed rest or care different from postponing a responsibility we can fulfill?
Elijah — 1 Kings 19:10, 18–21
What did God reveal about Elijah’s loneliness, and who later served alongside him?
The next faithful step
3. God holds the future — Haggai 2:6–9
God promised glory and peace for His house. Hebrews 12:26–28 uses Haggai’s words to point Christians to an unshakable kingdom.
John 2:19–22 and Ephesians 2:13–22: How do the temple and God’s presence lead us to Christ’s cross and resurrection?
4. Help one another remain faithful
First Thessalonians 5:14–17 calls for encouragement, help, patience, and prayer. Galatians 6:2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens.
Why must we understand someone’s need before deciding how to respond?
How can useful service make room for attention beyond worry, without promising that all worry will disappear?
My response
Giving care: A specific task I can share, with the person’s agreement:
Receiving care: A need I can name to a trustworthy Christian:
Follow-through: Who will do what, and when will we check back?
The gospel response: Hear the word, believe in Christ, repent, confess Him, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Continue faithfully under His care.