Key Truth: God who is gracious and faithful declares that arrogant belief in self brings death as opposed to faith in Him which provides life in righteousness.

Introduction:

Q: What do you trust in most for direction and wisdom in life?

“Faith in God was the key to consistent living, even though violence abounded and justice was perverted (1:2–4). That short statement helps believers to persevere even though God chastens them (1:5–11) and they cannot understand his ways (1:12–17). It provides a solution to the doubt they sometimes feel in His all-wise providence (2:1–3), and helps them to understand his righteous judgments (2:4–20). In the final analysis, faith provides the key to understanding the Lord’s sovereign purpose, and it leads men to worship (3:1–19).”

Cyril J. Barber, Habakkuk and Zephaniah

A Portrait of God’s Grace and Faithfulness: A Vision Worth Waiting For

Habakkuk 2:2-3

“Waiting is difficult, though, because we like to feel we are doing something. But the waiting that God asks for is not tedious passivity- he encourages us to wait actively, giving ourselves to God’s purposes in the world. Waiting involves continually living by the values of the coming kingdom, knowing that one day they will be vindicated by God himself. Waiting is also difficult for us because the more we have to do it, the more we are inclined to give up hope. But waiting can be a powerful testimony of our true allegiance...”

Krish Kandiah, Paradoxology: Why Christianity Was Never Meant To Be Simple

Q: What do you struggle with most in the process of waiting for God to act? What has been (or is) most helpful to you when waiting? Who provided this help?

A Way of Life (or Death): A Choice of Arrogance or Righteousness by Faith

Habakkuk 2:4-5

“It follows, but the just shall live by his faith. The Prophet, I have no doubt, does here place faith in opposition to all those defences by which men so blind themselves as to neglect God, and to seek no aid from him. As men therefore rely on what the earth affords, depending on their fallacious supports, the Prophet here ascribes life to faith. But faith, as it is well known, and as we shall presently show more at large, depends on God alone. That we may then live by faith, the Prophet intimates that we must willingly give up all those defences which are wont to disappoint us. He then who finds that he is deprived of all protections, will live by his faith, provided he seeks in God alone what he wants, and leaving the world, fixes his mind on heaven..”

John Calvin, Commentaries on the Twelve Minor Prophets

Q: Which description best describes you? Do you live in pride and arrogance or by faith through righteousness in Christ alone?

Application:

God’s response in 2:2-5 teaches us that:

- His desire is to graciously comfort His people with His word

- He will be faithful to bring to pass what He promises

- Arrogant belief in self in denial of God leads to death and faith in Him and His word leads to life in righteousness

“Q. 85. What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

A. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.”

Shorter Catechism

Benediction:

Psalm 119:142-144