2. “Sinful Census” After the people returned from captivity, work began in rebuilding Israel. The people quickly laid the foundation of the temple, but the work stagnated. The people were distracted with rebuilding their own homes and efforts to produce a living. Over time they became apathetic. For 16 years nothing happened. The prophet Haggai arose at this point to stir up the people! All their sacrifices can’t make something or someone holy. It is not communicable. But their sins and uncleanness is communicable. It can cause the holy to become unholy.

3. “Sinful Census” Haggai 2:15-19 15 ‘And now, carefully consider from this day forward: from before stone was laid upon stone in the temple of the LORD— 16 since those days, when one came to a heap of twenty ephahs, there were but ten; when one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty baths from the press, there were but twenty. 17 I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me,’ says the LORD. 18 ‘Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid—consider it: 19 Is the seed still in the barn? As yet the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day I will bless you.’”

4. “Sinful Census” Seed Is Used Frequently In The New Testament As A Metaphor A) The incorruptible seed – 1 Peter 1:22-25 Christians are born again of the water and Spirit – John 3:5 – 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Brought forth by the word of truth – James 1:18 – 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. An implanted word (image of seed) able to save our souls – James 1:21 – 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

5. “Sinful Census” B) Parables of Seed [Matthew 13] One seed produces different results. How? The results depend on the soil in which it is planted – [ 3-8, 18-23] The seed is good, but the enemy is also sowing tares in the same field – [24-30, 36-43] The seed looks insignificant and is easily overlooked, but it will germinate and grow into something marvelous. [31,32] But consider the question from Haggai. What if the seed is left in the barn? – Can it produce? – Would it help or hinder the work of Satan? – Satan wants the seed to stay in the barn.

6. “Sinful Census” C) That seed is Christ – Galatians 3:15,16 – 15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” [i] who is Christ.i All Christians are born again – [vs.26-29] – 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

7. “Sinful Census” Are We Keeping The Seed In The Barn? Has it taken root in our heart? When God asked through Haggai, “Is the seed still in the barn?” the answer was “no.” It had been invested in the soil of Judea. God held its fate, and He promised a good return if they did as He asked. Are we leaving the seed in the barn? Are we letting it take root in our own lives? – James 1:21-25 The seed has no effect if it is not used. Look at your life. Do you see an overgrown weed patch? – 1 John 3:6-10

8. “Sinful Census” Are we sowing it in other fields? The seed is sown when we share it with those around us – Galatians 6:7-10 Seeds of kindness, seeds of joy, seed of doing good, these help our neighbors; but nothing compares to sowing seeds of the gospel in the hearts of our neighbors. Do we recall the parable of the sower? The seed was richly scattered over a variety of soils. The sower wasn’t selective Nor should we. Spread the word, let it fall where it may. The sprouting depends on the people receiving the word, not the sower.

9. “Sinful Census” Are we ready to sow? – 15 But sanctify the Lord God [a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;a Study so we need not be ashamed – II Timothy 2:15,16 Give it the attention that it deserves – I Timothy 4:13 Are we sowing the wrong seed? Has there been a change in our life? – Eph. 4:17-24 Imagine putting in a new lawn and sowing it with dandelions and crabgrass. Even a mixture of good and bad seed would be ridiculous. So why do people approach Christianity part way? – Rom. 13:11-14

10. “Sinful Census” – Does eternal life really matter to us? – If so, then our seed should not still be in the barn.