“The Complaint Rooted in Faith” 5/4/08

Habakkuk 1:1-2:1

Background- written in 606 BC; recent revival a memory. The prophet goes from mystery to certainty, questions to affirming, and complaint to confidence.

POINT 1- The response of the faithful prophet to the mystery of LAWLESSNESS

A. The lament of the prophet for receiving NO ANSWER

(Verses 1:1-3a; Ps 115:3; Prov 21:1; Daniel 4:35; 1 Chron 29:11)

B. The lament of the prophet for being HELPLESS

(Verse 1:3b; Does God really tolerate wickedness?; it was age of lawsuits)

C. The lament of the prophet for experiencing no JUSTICE

(Verse 1:4; see Psalm 73 where Asaph also complains to God)

Going God wants you to put your trust in the Character and Power of God.

Deeper

POINT 2- The response of the faithful prophet’s God to the mystery of DOUBT

A. God answers the prophet in a way that is UNBELIEVABLE

(Verse 1:5; they will be astounded at God’s work; God is not in a box)

B. God answers the prophet by using an unlikely INSTRUMENT

(Verses 1:6-11; God answers in a way that brings more questions that answers)

Going God wants you to your trust in the Character and Power of God!

Deeper

POINT 3- The response of the faithful prophet to the mystery of God’s WAYS

A. The prophet questions God’s ways as contrary to His NAME

(Verse 1:12a: God is the holy and eternal one)

B. The prophet questions God’s ways as contrary to His NATURE

(Verses 1:12b-13; God is pure, but how can he ordain this? Eph 1:11)

C. The prophet questions God’s ways as contrary to His JUSTICE

(Verses 1:14-17; God is the just judge- Genesis 18:25; how does it fit?)

Going God wants you to put your trust in the Character and Power of God!!

Deeper

1) Stop and think (James 1:19); 2) Consider God; 3) Pray in faith (Jam 1:5)