This study of Haggai 1:1–6 highlights how the returning Jews neglected rebuilding God’s temple to focus on their own comfort. God, through Haggai, challenges their priorities and calls them to “consider their ways.” Despite hard work, they found little satisfaction—symbolizing the emptiness of self-centered living. This mirrors modern culture, where busyness and comfort often replace spiritual commitment. Like the Jews, we may delay obedience, thinking it’s “not the right time.” God’s message is clear: real fulfillment comes when He is first. This is a call to refocus, re-prioritize, and restore our devotion to God.
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“What’s something important you’ve kept putting off? Why?”
(Examples: cleaning your room, studying, calling a friend back)
God’s people had been back home in Jerusalem for 18 years, after being exiled.
They started building God’s temple again… but stopped after just 2 years.
Now, 14 years later, they’re living in nice houses, but God’s house is still in ruins.
God sends the prophet Haggai to say: “Hey—what are you doing?”
In verse 2, the people say: “It’s not the right time to rebuild God’s house.”
👉 Why do you think they said that?
In verse 4, God asks: “Is it time for you to live in nice houses while mine is broken?”
👉 What do you think God is trying to show them?
What might “paneled houses” look like for students today?
(Examples: new phone, time for games, self-care, hanging with friends)
Are those things bad on their own?
When might those things become a distraction from what God wants us to focus on?
“You’ve planted a lot… but you harvest little. You eat and drink, but still feel empty. You earn money, but it’s like your wallet has holes.” (v.6, paraphrased)
What’s God saying in this passage?
👉 How does it describe how life can feel when we ignore God?
Have you ever worked hard for something and still felt unsatisfied?
What’s one area in your life that might feel like “a bag with holes”?
Today, we have a lot of freedom, money, and time—especially compared to people in history.
But we still say: “I’ll follow God more seriously later.”
Like the Jews in Haggai’s day, we might delay obedience because we’re comfortable or distracted.
What are some common distractions for your generation?
What would it look like for someone your age to put God’s house first?
What would change in your life if you actually reordered your priorities?
Take a minute to think or write down:
“What area of my life have I told God: ‘It’s not time yet’?”
“What step could I take this week to put God first?”
Ask God to help you focus on what matters most.
Pray for discipline in hard seasons and joy in building His kingdom.
God doesn’t want your leftovers.
He wants first place—because He knows that’s where you’ll find your purpose and joy.