When Injustice Receives Justice

2006007

Topic# 695 (Habakkuk)

Introduction:

A. As we’ve studied through this book, the central theme we’ve come across is that God’s people should trust Him in all things pertaining to this life.

B. We cannot allow the inequities (injustices) of this life to keep us from being what God expects of us.

C. Chapter three is a prayer Habakkuk offers showcasing the wonderment and power of God. There are three responses we wish to note concerning the inequities of life.

I. The Prophets Response – Complete Confidence

A. 3:1 - A prayer of absolute truth.

1. Shigionoth – Highly emotional poetic form.

2. His prayer reveals two elements that should be found in our prayers.

a. Humility – Habakkuk has recognized the most important aspect of this exchange: God is to be glorified.

1) Focus was no longer on Judah, but on God.

2) He was no longer concerned about the immorality taking place.

3) 1 Peter 5:6 - He now was trusting God. Total surrender to God. Emptied of self.

b. Expression of adoration for God’s purposes – desired God to revive His work.

1) Revive – to persevere

2) Habakkuk trusted that God’s plan being fulfilled all would be made well, even if the present seemed chaotic.

3. Our prayer life should be indicative of our belief God will help in times of trouble.

a. Perhaps not pray for something to be corrected but for God’s will to be accomplished.

b. Phil. 4:4-6; Rev. 22:20

B. 3:16a - A Fear Concerning God’s Wrath.

1. Habakkuk recognized that Judah’s destruction was inevitable.

a. God had made His plan clear to Habakkuk.

b. He is struck with fear after realizing his people were going to be destroyed.

2. If we are to properly understand who God is, we must appreciate His ability to punish. Heb. 10:31; Rom. 11:22

a. This is not out of character for God, but rather part of His character.

1) Too many want to focus ONLY on His goodness.

2) Must have a balanced view.

b. Not to the point where we are unable to work, but rather recognize His ability and allow it to spur us on to greater service. Lk. 12:5

c. Our goal is to please Him. 2 Cor 5:9-10. Where is your aim?

C. 3:16b - A Resignation to God’s Will.

1. Habakkuk, now trusting in God’s plan, awaits the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

a. Contrast chapter 1 with 3.

2. 1 Cor. 11:3 - He exhibits an attitude of submissiveness that each Christian should possess.

a. Submission to the Lord does not mean we should give up.

b. Belief and trust in God to balance life’s inequities.

II. The Lord’s Response – Complete Command

A. God is in control.

1. No matter how bad a situation may be, God is always in control.

a. Habakkuk at one time wasn’t so sure.

2. God has always fulfilled His promises of deliverance.

a. From Egypt

b. From Captivity –Paul/Silas – Acts 16:25

c. Revelation message – one of ultimate triumph. 2:10

d. From sin – Isa 1:18

3. God’s purposes can not be hindered, thus Christians will eventually be triumphant.

B. Survey of the world shows God is in control.

1. 3:3-7 - Habakkuk described destruction that only God can mete out.

2. God’s purposes have never failed, why should they now?

a. God always fulfilled His plan, ie exodus, Red Sea, Sinai, Promised Land, etc.

3. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 - God will one day vindicate the saved and render misery to all who reject justice.

III. The Sinner’s Response – Complete Collapse

A. Those who attempt to hinder God’s purposes will be struck with fear.

1. Notice how Habakkuk describes these people…

a. 3:6 - Startled

b. 3:6 - Collapse

c. 3:7 - Stress

d. 3:12-15 - Abysmal ruin

2. Powerful nations (people) will some day realize their pursuit of mortal achievements were all for naught.

a. All will some day acknowledge God as the one true, Almighty God!

B. Those who oppose God today would do well to allow fear to strike their heart before it’s too late.

1. Acts 17:30-31 - God’s grand purpose is the salvation of man.

a. That is why Jesus came to this Earth.

b. That is why Jesus died on the cross.

2. What is keeping you from obeying Him today?

a. 2:4 - Pride

b. Acts 2:37-38 - Won’t you respond in the manner as those on Pentecost?

Conclusion

A. Trust God to balance all of life’s injustices.

B. Have you put your trust in Him or do you still delay?

C. I N V I T A T I O N



When Injustice Receives Justice 2006007 Topic# 695 (Habakkuk) Introduction: A. As we’ve studied through this book, the central theme we’ve come across is that God’s people should trust Him in all things pertaining to this life. B. We cannot allow the inequities (injustices) of this life to keep us from being what God expects of us. C. Chapter three is a prayer Habakkuk offers showcasing the wonderment and power of God. There are three responses we wish to note concerning the inequities of life. I. The Prophets Response – Complete Confidence A. 3:1 - A prayer of absolute truth. 1. Shigionoth – Highly emotional poetic form. 2. His prayer reveals two elements that should be found in our prayers. a. Humility – Habakkuk has recognized the most important aspect of this exchange: God is to be glorified. 1) Focus was no longer on Judah, but on God. 2) He was no longer concerned about the immorality taking place. 3) 1 Peter 5:6 - He now was trusting God. Total surrender to God. Emptied of self. b. Expression of adoration for God’s purposes – desired God to revive His work. 1) Revive – to persevere 2) Habakkuk trusted that God’s plan being fulfilled all would be made well, even if the present seemed chaotic. 3. Our prayer life should be indicative of our belief God will help in times of trouble. a. Perhaps not pray for something to be corrected but for God’s will to be accomplished. b. Phil. 4:4-6; Rev. 22:20 B. 3:16a - A Fear Concerning God’s Wrath. 1. Habakkuk recognized that Judah’s destruction was inevitable. a. God had made His plan clear to Habakkuk. b. He is struck with fear after realizing his people were going to be destroyed. 2. If we are to properly understand who God is, we must appreciate His ability to punish. Heb. 10:31; Rom. 11:22 a. This is not out of character for God, but rather part of His character. 1) Too many want to focus ONLY on His goodness. 2) Must have a balanced view. b. Not to the point where we are unable to work, but rather recognize His ability and allow it to spur us on to greater service. Lk. 12:5 c. Our goal is to please Him. 2 Cor 5:9-10. Where is your aim? C. 3:16b - A Resignation to God’s Will. 1. Habakkuk, now trusting in God’s plan, awaits the fulfillment of God’s purpose. a. Contrast chapter 1 with 3. 2. 1 Cor. 11:3 - He exhibits an attitude of submissiveness that each Christian should possess. a. Submission to the Lord does not mean we should give up. b. Belief and trust in God to balance life’s inequities. II. The Lord’s Response – Complete Command A. God is in control. 1. No matter how bad a situation may be, God is always in control. a. Habakkuk at one time wasn’t so sure. 2. God has always fulfilled His promises of deliverance. a. From Egypt b. From Captivity –Paul/Silas – Acts 16:25 c. Revelation message – one of ultimate triumph. 2:10 d. From sin – Isa 1:18 3. God’s purposes can not be hindered, thus Christians will eventually be triumphant. B. Survey of the world shows God is in control. 1. 3:3-7 - Habakkuk described destruction that only God can mete out. 2. God’s purposes have never failed, why should they now? a. God always fulfilled His plan, ie exodus, Red Sea, Sinai, Promised Land, etc. 3. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 - God will one day vindicate the saved and render misery to all who reject justice. III. The Sinner’s Response – Complete Collapse A. Those who attempt to hinder God’s purposes will be struck with fear. 1. Notice how Habakkuk describes these people… a. 3:6 - Startled b. 3:6 - Collapse c. 3:7 - Stress d. 3:12-15 - Abysmal ruin 2. Powerful nations (people) will some day realize their pursuit of mortal achievements were all for naught. a. All will some day acknowledge God as the one true, Almighty God! B. Those who oppose God today would do well to allow fear to strike their heart before it’s too late. 1. Acts 17:30-31 - God’s grand purpose is the salvation of man. a. That is why Jesus came to this Earth. b. That is why Jesus died on the cross. 2. What is keeping you from obeying Him today? a. 2:4 - Pride b. Acts 2:37-38 - Won’t you respond in the manner as those on Pentecost? Conclusion A. Trust God to balance all of life’s injustices. B. Have you put your trust in Him or do you still delay? C. I N V I T A T I O N