This sermon, delivered by Mr. Tony Arsenal at New Hope Community Church, explores Habakkuk 1:12–2:5, a text filled with themes of faith, God’s judgment, and the tension between divine justice and human understanding. The preacher begins by reviewing Habakkuk’s unique role as a prophet who brings a complaint against God, highlighting how this sets the book apart from other prophetic writings. Habakkuk questions God’s use of the sinful Babylonians as an instrument of judgment on Israel, a nation also entrenched in sin. This dialogue between Habakkuk and God reveals profound truths about God’s character, His covenant faithfulness, and His sovereign timing.
The sermon delves into Habakkuk’s persistence in prayer, exemplifying a faith-filled approach to bringing complaints before God. Despite struggling to reconcile God’s actions with His character, Habakkuk trusts in God’s promises and continues to engage with Him. The preacher emphasizes God’s response, particularly the proclamation that “the righteous shall live by his faith,” a verse foundational to both Old Testament theology and New Testament teachings on justification and faith.
Finally, the sermon addresses the justice of God. Although Babylon appears to prosper in its sinfulness, God assures Habakkuk that His judgment will come in due time. The preacher connects this to the broader Christian experience, encouraging believers to trust in God’s perfect timing, even when circumstances feel overwhelming or unjust. The ultimate message is one of perseverance, trust in God’s unchanging nature, and hope in the fulfillment of His promises.
Key Points:
- Habakkuk’s Complaint and God’s Response: Habakkuk struggles with God’s use of a sinful nation like Babylon to judge His covenant people but continues to affirm God’s character and promises.
- The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: This central verse highlights the importance of faith in God’s promises and is foundational to understanding both Old and New Testament teachings on justification and perseverance.
- God’s Judgment and Timing: While God’s judgment may seem delayed, His timing is perfect, and His justice will ultimately prevail, bringing hope to those who trust in Him.
Application
- Trust in God’s Character: Even when His actions seem incomprehensible, we can rely on God’s eternal nature, unchanging holiness, and covenant faithfulness.
- Persevere in Prayer: Like Habakkuk, we should persist in bringing our struggles and questions to God in a faith-filled and trusting manner.
- Hope in God’s Timing: Trust that God’s justice will come, even if it is not fulfilled in this life, and remain steadfast in faith and obedience.
Questions for Reflection:
- How can I bring my complaints to God in a way that reflects both trust and reverence?
- What does it mean for me personally to “live by faith” in my current circumstances?
- How can I persevere in trusting God’s timing when His plans seem delayed or unclear?
Other Scriptures for study:
- Romans 1:16–17 (The righteous shall live by faith)
- 2 Peter 3:4–9 (God’s timing and patience)
- Hebrews 10:35–39 (Perseverance and faith)
Confessional Resources:
- Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 5 (Of Providence)
- Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1 (Our only comfort in life and death)
- Belgic Confession, Article 13 (The Providence of God)
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