1. A BAG WITH HOLES A Picture of Wasted Work Haggai 1:3-6

2. 3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?" 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways! 6 "You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes."

3. Haggai Under Zerubbabel, 50,000 started to rebuld the temple in Jerusalem 16 years later – still just the foundations Had houses, gardens, farms, animals to feed, occupations, family They had focused on personal concerns and abandonded building the temple

4. Haggai Haggai points out their sins : Easily discouraged Procrastination – v. 2 Neglect of the divine – v. 9 THINK ABOUT OUR LIVES : OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - -

5. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - OUT OF CHRIST Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

6. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - OUT OF CHRIST Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. If these blessings are “IN CHRIST” what do we have outside of Christ?

7. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - BY THE AUTHORITY OF MEN In religious matters : Human creeds are the authority of men Denominations follow the authority of men In matters of morals and ethics : TV, movies, commercials – not authority World – abortion, homosexuality, drinking

8. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - BY EDUCATION WITHOUT GOD We must learn how to make a living We must also learn how to live! Many are being taught to reject their faith

9. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - WITHOUT PUTTING THE KINGDOM FIRST Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Apply to attendance, contribution Apply to choices we make in life Don't allow other things to replace God

10. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - WITHOUT LAYING UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN Matthew 6:19-20 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

11. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - WITHOUT LAYING UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Ever had a hole in your pocket? Put coins in and they fall right out.

12. OUT LIFE IS A BAG WITH HOLES IF WE TRY TO LIVE - - - Luke 12:33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. Jesus offers us bags that don't get holes.