God Answer's Habakkuk

Habakkuk 1:5–11 ESV

5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. 6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. 7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves. 8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; their horsemen press proudly on. Their horsemen come from afar; they fly like an eagle swift to devour. 9 They all come for violence, all their faces forward. They gather captives like sand. 10 At kings they scoff, and at rulers they laugh. They laugh at every fortress, for they pile up earth and take it. 11 Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!”

Introduction:

English Standard Version Introduction

Habakkuk was probably written about 640–615 B.C., just before the fall of Assyria and the rise of Babylon (Chaldea). God used Assyria to punish Israel (722); now he would use Babylon to punish Assyria and Judah. This prophecy would be fulfilled several decades after Habakkuk, in 586. The “theme question” of Habakkuk is, how can God use a wicked nation such as Babylon for his divine purpose? God judges all nations, said Habakkuk, and even Babylon would eventually be judged (Babylon fell to Persia in 539). Though God’s ways are sometimes mysterious, “the righteous shall live by his faith” (2:4) while awaiting salvation. These words are quoted three times in the New Testament (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38).

Habakkuk was probably written about 640–615 b.c.,

just before the fall of Assyria and the rise of Babylon (Chaldea).

God used Assyria to punish Israel (722);

now he would use Babylon to punish Assyria and Judah.

This prophecy would be fulfilled several decades after Habakkuk, in 586.

A “theme question” of Habakkuk is, how can God use a wicked nation such as Babylon for his divine purpose?

God judges all nations, said Habakkuk,

and even Babylon would eventually be judged (Babylon fell to Persia in 539).

These words are quoted three times in the New Testament (; ; ).

I. Habakkuk’s Question

Habakkuk 1:1–4 ESV

1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. 2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.

Will you not hear? v. 2

Will you not save? v. 2

Will you remain idle? v. 3

Will you bring justice? v. 3-4

A. A Modern Application

There is certainly destruction; violence; strife; contention and injustice in the world today.

So Habakkuk’s world is not different from ours today.

With the exception of are we the ones being raised or the ones being disciplined

Only arrogance would have you try to not be apart of this equation of what God is doing .

B. A Personal Application

I’ve see and hear too much disbelief in God in the world today.

I see it through our actions

I see it through our speech

I see it through our thoughts

I see it through our commitment

I see it through our relationships

II. God’s response to Habakkuk

A. An answer we probably don’t want to hear

Habakkuk 1:5 ESV

5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.

Hab 1:

B. An answer we certainly deserve

hab 1:6-7

Habakkuk 1:6–7 ESV

6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. 7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.

Though God’s ways are sometimes mysterious, “the righteous shall live by his faith” (2:4) while awaiting salvation.

These words are quoted three times in the New Testament (; ; ).

Romans 1:17 ESV

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11 ESV

11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Hebrews 10:38 ESV

38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

God’s Invitation

Hear -

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Believe -

He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

Confess -

​Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Repent -

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Be Baptized -

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Remain Faithful - ​

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

New to the Faith?

First Principles

Have you fallen away from Faith

Need to be Restored

My Decision Today

I would like to be baptized today

I would like to renew my life to Christ

I would like to learn more about Jesus and the Bible

Questions: What are my next steps?

Come forward to be baptized

Request a Bible Study to learn more

Attend Bible Class to grow and mature

Find a place to serve others

Apply today’s lesson to my life