PUT HIS TEMPLE FIRST

Title: PUT HIS TEMPLE FIRST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Haggai 1:4; 2:1-9
Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Psalm 27:4, 2 Chronicles 7:14-16

INTRODUCTION:
In the book of Haggai, God speaks through the prophet to challenge His people, calling them to prioritise the rebuilding of His temple. While the people had focused on their personal projects and homes, God reminded them that His house lay in ruins. The message is clear: put God’s priorities above our own. This study teaches us the importance of prioritising God’s temple, which today represents both the physical places of worship and our own bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

1. GOD’S CALL TO PRIORITISE HIS TEMPLE

a) The Importance of God’s House
God desires a dwelling place among His people, a space that represents His presence and glory (Haggai 1:8).

b) The Blessing of Honour
When we prioritise God, we invite His blessing into our lives (Matthew 6:33).

c) Reordering Priorities
The people’s misplaced priorities led to a lack of fulfilment; their prosperity came only after putting God first (Haggai 1:6-7).

d) Making Sacrifices for His Glory
We honour God by sacrificing our time, resources, and focus for His purposes (Psalm 84:10).

Biblical Example: King David (1 Chronicles 29:3-9) – David prioritised God’s temple and gave generously for its building.

2. RECOGNISING OUR BODIES AS GOD’S TEMPLE

a) Our Lives as Living Temples
As believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, dedicated to God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

b) Living in Holiness
God calls us to holiness, respecting our bodies as places where His Spirit dwells (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).

c) Avoiding Sinful Practices
We honour God by turning away from anything that defiles our bodies or hinders His work in us (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).

d) Being a Light in the World
Our lives reflect God’s glory to others; by living righteously, we draw others to Him (Philippians 2:15).

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8-9) – Daniel chose to keep himself pure, honouring God with his body.

3. THE POWER OF UNITY IN BUILDING GOD’S HOUSE

a) Working Together for a Greater Purpose
God’s people are called to come together in unity to build His kingdom (Ephesians 4:16).

b) The Strength of Combined Efforts
Unity in the church strengthens God’s work, allowing us to accomplish more together (Psalm 133:1-3).

c) Encouraging One Another in the Mission
Just as God encouraged the Israelites through Haggai, we are to lift each other up in fulfilling God’s purposes (Haggai 2:4-5).

d) Sharing Resources Generously
Supporting God’s work with our time, talents, and resources is essential to honouring His temple (Acts 4:32-35).

Biblical Example: Nehemiah and the Israelites (Nehemiah 2:17-18) – United, they rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls despite opposition.

4. RECEIVING GOD’S PROMISES FOR PUTTING HIM FIRST

a) The Promise of Provision
God promises to meet our needs when we prioritise Him (Philippians 4:19).

b) Experiencing His Presence and Peace
The temple is a place of communion with God; prioritising it brings His peace into our lives (John 14:27).

c) Experiencing His Glory
Haggai 2:9 declares that the glory of the latter temple will be greater than the former; God’s presence brings transformative glory.

d) Spiritual Growth and Maturity
By focusing on God’s house, we mature spiritually, growing in faith and understanding (Colossians 2:6-7).

e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-3) – When completed, God’s glory filled the temple, demonstrating His approval.

5. PRACTICAL STEPS TO HONOUR GOD’S TEMPLE TODAY

a) Regular Worship and Prayer
Committing to regular worship is essential to keeping God first in our lives (Hebrews 10:25).

b) Serving in the Church
Using our gifts to serve others in the church builds up God’s house (1 Peter 4:10-11).

c) Supporting Church Projects Financially
Contributing to the church’s financial needs demonstrates commitment and respect for God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

d) Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines
Bible study, prayer, and fasting keep us spiritually connected and committed to God’s purposes (Psalm 1:2).

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47) – They devoted themselves to prayer, fellowship, and supporting each other.

CONCLUSION:
God’s call to prioritise His temple goes beyond physical buildings; it is a call to make Him the centre of our lives. As we focus on honouring His presence, both in our churches and our personal lives, we align ourselves with His purpose and position ourselves for His blessings. When we put His temple first, we experience the joy, peace, and provision that only God can bring.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that prioritises Your temple above my own interests.

2. Father, help me to honour You with my time, resources, and life.

3. Lord, let Your Spirit dwell in me, keeping me pure as Your living temple.

4. Father, unite us as a church to build Your kingdom together.

5. Lord, grant me strength and grace to put You first in all areas of my life.

6. Lord, fill my life with Your glory as I honour You in my decisions.

7. Father, empower me to serve in Your house with a willing heart.

8. Lord, help me to value and support the work of the church financially.

9. Father, may my life draw others to You as I prioritise Your kingdom.

10. Lord, let Your presence and peace dwell in my life as I seek to honour You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will walk in God’s favour as you prioritise His kingdom.

2. May every area of your life align with God’s purpose for His glory.

3. I decree that your sacrifices for God’s work will yield abundant blessings.

4. May God’s presence be evident in your life as His living temple.

5. I declare that your family and home shall be filled with the peace of God.

6. May God strengthen your commitment to serving in His house.

7. I decree divine provision as you support God’s kingdom.

8. May you experience the glory of God in greater measure in your life.

9. I declare unity and growth in your church as you work together for God.

10. May God’s abundant blessings be upon you as you prioritise His temple.