Give Thanks

Sermon Introduction

Habakkuk (huh-BAK-uhk) prophesied as the southern kingdom of Judah faced imminent invasion by the Chaldeans (Babylonians) and as the wickedness of his own people grew. As Habakkuk saw the wickedness of both his own people and the wickedness of the invaders God was choosing to use as an instrument of correction, he questioned God. His first question (1:1-4) inquires about God’s forbearance for the wickedness of Judah. His second question (1:12-17), in light of God’s answer to his first question, expresses dismay that God would use the Chaldeans (who were more wicked than Judah, in Habakkuk’s estimation) to punish Judah. Finally, the prophet ends the book with a hymnic prayer, confessing his confidence in God and servitude to the will of God in the face of certain catastrophe. Nestled into these questions and God’s responses in this short book are three principles of hope that every believer can rely on when their environment is chaos, when wicked people flourish, and when we seek certainty for today.

ILLUSTRATION Meet Rebecca, a biblical disciple living in Nigeria who exemplifies what you should do when encountering those who oppose the advancement of the gospel and hate you for your faithfulness to Christ. In her story, we see a modern-day situation of what Habakkuk addressed and point our hearts toward a proper response as biblical disciples when all around us seems to fall apart.

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I. KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE 1: WHEN CALAMITY COMES — VICTORY A. “But the righteous shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4): Biblical disciples experience victory as they walk in the righteousness of Christ during difficult seasons.

Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV)

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

Let’s take alook at this concept of the righteous shall live by faith.

We begin with the word...

i. “But”

We have a contrast between the righteous and the puffed up

1. Contrasts the “puffed up” (KJV: “As for the proud one, his soul is not right within him, but the righteous will live by his faith.”) 2. There is a stark difference between living by faith and living according to the pursuits of this world isn’t there?

What does the text mean by the righteous? ii. “The righteous”

1. Just and righteous in conduct and character towards God [see Strong’s H6662]

2. Righteousness is attained through Christ’s atonement alone.

a. “All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a filthy cloth” (Isaiah 64:6).

‌We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

b. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

c. “...the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe...” (Romans 3:21-22).

Romans 3:21–22 (ESV)

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

3. Biblical disciples thirst for and pursue righteousness.

a. Matthew 5:6 — Our thirst for righteousness

Matthew 5:6 ESV

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

You have as much of God as you desire

b. 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22 — Pursuing righteousness c. Matthew 6:33 — The priority of seeking righteousness 4. Biblical disciples are persecuted for righteousness’ sake yet are not forsaken. a. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). b. “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14). c. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12)

d. “Persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2 Corinthians 4:9-11).

iii. “Shall live by his faith”

1. “Shall live” — The Chaldeans are coming to bring judgment and destruction, but in the face of this calamity, the righteous live, bearing testimony to God. 2. “Live by his faith” — The faith of Christians is not simply a theory or philosophy but an activation of our righteousness into daily living: a. We live by faith in good times and in bad. b. We live by faith when we experience blessing and when we endure hardship. c. We live by faith at any cost