Be Strong and Work

Theme / Date: The God Who Restores · August 30, 2026
Primary Texts: Haggai 2:1–9
Memory Verse: Haggai 2:4 — “…take courage…and work; for I am with you,” declares the LORD of hosts.

Lesson Objectives

• Identify why comparing this work to a former glory threatened obedience.
• Explain what commanded courage requires of a discouraged servant.
• Apply God’s presence and promised glory to the unfinished work in front of you.

Thesis

When God’s work seems small and the task seems heavy, His servants must be strong, work, and trust His presence.

Study Guide

1. Do Not Let Comparison Despise God’s Work — Haggai 2:1–3

God named the discouragement honestly — the new temple looked like nothing beside Solomon’s. A fact becomes a weapon only when it excuses disobedience.

Question: What has looked “too small” to you, and has that comparison ever stopped you from working?

Follow-up: What faithful thing in front of you right now have you excused because it seems ordinary?

2. Be Strong and Do the Work God Gave You — Haggai 2:4

The Lord commands courage to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people — leaders and congregation together. Courage is not a feeling; it is obedience that begins before the fear leaves.

Question: What duty have you been avoiding until you “feel ready” to do it?

Follow-up: Who in your life needs you to be strong right now?

3. Work Because God Is With You and His Purpose Will Stand — Haggai 2:5–9

“I am with you” is the reason for the courage, not an afterthought. Every nation and all the silver and gold belong to the Lord who promises a greater glory to come.

Question: How does knowing God owns every resource change how you face a task that feels too small?

Follow-up: What unfinished work has God given you to keep laying, one stone at a time?

Gem

God’s work does not wait for a servant to feel equal to the task; it calls him to obey the God who is equal to it.

Application

• Personal: Name the duty you have delayed — a sermon to prepare, a sin to confront, an apology to make — and do it this week.
• Congregational: Stop measuring this church against another congregation’s history or size; ask what work God has placed in front of us now.

Personal Response

Truth to hold:

Obedience to practice:

Error to reject:

Prayer: