What to do when the world around you is falling apart Habakkuk

Title: What to do when the world is falling apart around you.

Text: Hab. 2:4b (All three Chapters)

Intro: Look at the world around us what do you see?

Society

Mass shootings in Tx and Ok.

Murder of innocent unborn babies (Government is trying to increase the amount)

Homosexual Agenda

ILL: Delta Jet way

Drug Epidemic

HIV – New Drug

Cancer

Politics

Power grab

Self-Servants

Religion

Health and Wealth Gospel

God just wants you to be happy movement

It looks like the world is falling apart around us and where is justice? Where is God?

Orientation: This is the story of Habakkuk!

His faith was tested!

CPS: When the world looks like it is falling apart around us it is a good chance to turn our backs on God. But we must remain faithful because only through faith will triumphant victory be ours.

Principle #1. When you encounter times when your faith is tested, you must go to God in prayer and wait for His answers.

A. Sometimes God answers directly.

Habakkuk’s Question 1:2

God’s answer 1:6

Who are the Chaldeans?

When did they come to power?

God answers Habakkuk when confronted about what He is doing about the wickedness around Him. He is raisings the Chaldeans to execute His justice on the guilty.

B. Sometimes God answers indirectly

Habakkuk’s 2nd Question: 1:13

Habakkuk waits on the Lords answer 2:1

Habakkuk’s faith was tested! God seems to never answer this question "Why do you allow one who is more wicked than us to execute your righteous judgement."

Principle #2. When your faith is tested it is an opportunity for faith to be taught.

Two people in 2:4 The proud who are not right with God. And the remnant of Israel who are faithful.

God's Judgement on the Chaldeans. 2:4a

Sins of the Chaldeans (Woe!!! Judgment is coming)

a. Endless Appetite for Conquest (2:5-8)

b. Greed and Pride (2:9-11)

c. Enrichment through Bloodshed (2:12-14)

d. Corruption of Neighbors (2:15-17)Tactic of destroying people's identities and making them Babylonians

1. Daniel = God is my Judge Belteshazzar = May Bel protect my life

2. Hananiah = Yahweh is Gracious Shadrach = Command of Aka (Moon God)

3. Mishael = Who is what God is Meshach = Who is what Aka is

4. Azariah = Yahweh has helped Abednego = Slave to Nego (Son of Marduke)

ILL. Roots Coontikintatee/Toby - They broke him of his Identity

e. Idolatry (2:18-19)

B. One day the whole earth will recognize God's glory 2:14

ILL. Smoke

C. God's answer to Habakkuk and the remnant of Judah 2:4b

1. Be faithful by this you shall live. 2:4

2. God is still on the throne. 2:20

a. Sovereign ruler

ILL. Isaiah 6

b. Call to worship

Principle #3. Only through faith will you experience triumphant victory.

Habakkuk worships 3:1

Shigionoth = used twice in OT

Ps. 7 Song of Lamentation

Hab. 3:1 Song of excitment!

Habakkuk remembers 3:2 – 15

C. Habakkuk finds Joy in the God of His Salvation 3:17-18

a. Rejoice = Shout in exultation

b. Salvation = deliverance (also means happiness)

Application:

Conclusion: When the world is falling apart around you be faithful.