This Sunday, we are starting a new series titled “Trusting a Sovereign God,” and we will study Habakkuk’s book.
The title for today’s sermon is “Why Study Habakkuk?”
Let’s look at Habakkuk 1:1-4
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.
Discovering how every scripture points to the Gospel & Christ
Historical Background
Habakkuk prophesied during a crucial period in Judah’s history, likely between 612 and 605 BC, during King Jehoiakim’s reign.
- Political Context : The old Empire The Assyrian Empire) was declining & the new Empire Neo-Babylonian) was rising to Power.
- Social Conditions: Judah was experiencing internal corruption, social injustice, and spiritual decline
- Religious State: Despite reforms under King Josiah, the people had returned mainly to idolatry and wickedness
Habakkuk’s dialogue with God during this chaotic period, as he wrestles with understanding how God could use the wicked Babylonians to punish His people.
Heres what Habakkuk was experiencing
Chaos & Confusion
- It doesn’t appear that we are moving toward the life promised by God.
God had promised Judah prosperity, peace, and spiritual blessing as His covenant people.
- A land flowing with milk and honey (material abundance)
- Protection from enemies when they remained faithful
- His presence among them through the temple
- Spiritual leadership through priests and prophets
- Being a light to the nations as God’s chosen people
- It appears that God has abandoned them, perhaps because of their sin and rebellion.
- It appears that God is not acting upon it.
- The enemy seems to be winning.
Sin & Brokenness
- Idolatry: Despite previous reforms, the people had returned to worshipping false gods and practicing pagan rituals
- Rejection of God’s Law: The people were openly disregarding the Torah and its commandments
- False Worship: While maintaining outward religious practices, their hearts were far from true devotion to God
Injustice & Wrongdoing
- Social Injustice: The powerful were oppressing the weak, with widespread exploitation of the poor and vulnerable
- Corruption in Leadership: Both religious and political leaders were abusing their positions for personal gain
- Moral Decay: There was a general breakdown of ethical behavior and social values
Our Reality
We are still living in the now and there, in a sinful and broken world.
How believers experience chaos and confusion today:
- Digital Overwhelm: Constant exposure to conflicting information, negative news, and social media debates about faith and morality
- Cultural Pressure: Facing increasing hostility towards traditional Christian beliefs and values in society Career Conflicts: Balancing professional demands with biblical ethics and principles
- Family Dynamics: Navigating diverse beliefs within families and raising children in an increasingly secular world Church Issues: Dealing with denominational divisions, church scandals, and questions about authentic faith
- Financial Pressure: Maintaining trust in God’s provision amid economic uncertainties
- Identity Crisis: Struggling to maintain Christian identity in an increasingly pluralistic society
How believers experience sin and brokenness today:
- Personal Struggles: Wrestling with addictions, harmful habits, and recurring patterns of sin
- Relational Breakdown: Experiencing broken relationships, divorce, and family conflicts
- Sexual Temptation: Facing challenges with pornography, sexual immorality, and changing cultural norms
- Materialism: Struggling with greed, overconsumption, and misplaced priorities
- Pride and Self-Reliance: Difficulty surrendering control and fully trusting God
- Spiritual Apathy: Experiencing seasons of lukewarm faith and disconnection from God
- Workplace Ethics: Confronting moral compromises and ethical dilemmas in professional settings
- Mental Health: Struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that affect spiritual well-being
How believers experience injustice and wrongdoing today:
- Workplace Discrimination: Facing unfair treatment due to religious beliefs or moral convictions
- Social Marginalization: Being excluded or mocked for holding biblical values
- Educational Challenges: Dealing with anti-faith bias in academic settings
- Legal Pressures: Confronting laws that conflict with religious convictions
- Community Conflict: Witnessing injustice in local communities without apparent resolution
- Global Persecution: Being aware of worldwide persecution of fellow believers
Given these challenges and circumstances in our world today, studying Habakkuk is relevant.
1. Amid chaos and confusion, we can understand God’s sovereignty
His complete power, authority, and control over everything.
- Habakkuk 1:5-6 – God declares His sovereign work: “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I will do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising the Babylonians.”
- Habakkuk 2:1-4 – God’s sovereign plan for the earth: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”
Airoplane Illustration
Just as an aircraft has numerous parts – wings, engines, landing gear, navigation systems, and countless other components – each with its unique function and importance, we, too, are part of God’s grand design. The chief engineer doesn’t just focus on individual parts; they have a clear vision of the final goal: a plane that can safely transport passengers to their destination.
Similarly, God, as our divine architect, sees beyond our circumstances. While we might feel like small components experiencing turbulence, God orchestrates everything – allowing certain events, removing or replacing parts, and guiding the whole journey – to achieve His sovereign purpose. Just as no aircraft part is insignificant, our roles, though sometimes unclear to us, are essential in God’s master plan.
The engineer must sometimes modify, repair, or even replace parts to ensure the aircraft’s optimal performance and safety. Likewise, God, in His wisdom, works through various circumstances – even difficult ones – to accomplish His ultimate purpose for humanity.
Joseph’s Story: Understanding God’s Sovereignty Through Suffering
Joseph’s life powerfully illustrates how God works sovereignly through difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes:
- Betrayal by Family: Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy, completely disrupting his life
- False Accusations: In Egypt, he was wrongly accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned
- Abandonment: He was forgotten in prison by those he helped, spending years in confinement
Yet through all these hardships, God was positioning Joseph for a greater purpose:
- Position of Authority: He became second-in-command in Egypt
- Preservation of Life: He saved countless lives during the seven-year famine
- Reconciliation: He was reunited with his family and able to provide for them
Joseph’s profound statement in Genesis 5020 reveals his deep understanding of God’s sovereignty: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.”
This demonstrates how God can work through human evil and suffering to accomplish His redemptive purposes, without minimizing the reality of the pain or excusing the evil actions of others.
2. Amid sin and brokenness, we can experience God’s grace & mercy
Because of what he ultimately accomplished through Christ
- Habakkuk 3:2 – “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
- Habakkuk 3:17-19 Even in devastation and loss, Habakkuk proclaims God’s mercy: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength.”
- John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
- Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Based on the context, this refers to God’s covenant with His people, particularly His promises to provide, protect, and be present with them. Despite periods of apparent divine silence or inaction, Christ ultimately fulfilled these promises.
He is not a God who abandons us or leaves us to figure things out on our own
The Gospel (the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ) provides solace and reassurance to believers experiencing difficulties, demonstrating God’s love, mercy, and ultimate plan for redemption.
3. Amid injustice and wrongdoing, we can trust in God’s ultimate justice
His promise to make everything right in His perfect timing.
- Habakkuk 2:2-3 God assures that His justice will come at the appointed time: “For the revelation awaits an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
- Psalm 37:7-9 – “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to establish His kingdom and bring perfect justice to earth:
Revelation 19:11-16 – Jesus returns as King of Kings to rule with justice: “With justice he judges and wages war… On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Physical Reign: Christ will establish His throne in Jerusalem and rule over all nations with perfect righteousness and wisdom
Perfect Justice: All wrongs will be made right, and evil will be fully dealt with under His rule
Isaiah 11:4-5 – “But with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth… Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.”
Conclusion
As we study Habakkuk, we find profound comfort and guidance for our modern challenges. His journey from questioning to trust mirrors our spiritual walks.
Remember these three key truths:
- God remains sovereign even when life seems chaotic and confusing.
- His grace and mercy are available through Christ, even in our brokenness.
- His perfect justice will prevail, though we may need to wait patiently.
Like Habakkuk, we can choose to trust God despite our circumstances. We can move from questioning to worship, from doubt to faith, and from confusion to confidence in His sovereign plan.
Let us close with Habakkuk’s powerful declaration of faith:
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
May we, like Habakkuk, learn to trust our sovereign God, rest in His grace, and await His perfect justice.
Author / Preacher
Latest entries
- January 28, 2025HabakkukWhy Study Habakkuk?
- December 14, 2024SermonRecieve the king : Prophecy about the king – Isaiah 9:2-7
- October 31, 2024SermonOur Hope After Death – 1 Corinthians 15:22-34
- September 19, 2024SermonOne Body, One Mission – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31