Bible Study July 29, 2023 — Habakkuk: Living By Faith

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:12-2:20 MEV

Timeline: 3338 Jewish calendars | 423 BC Christian calendars

The situation which Habakkuk faces is the imminent invasion of the southern kingdom of Judah by the Chaldeans (who are the same as the Babylonians). This invasion eventually happened at the end of the sixth century BC, and Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. The Lord revealed to Habakkuk beforehand that Judah was going to be punished for her sin by the Chaldeans.

Unlike Joel and Zephaniah and Amos, Habakkuk does not even mention the possibility that destruction could be averted. He does not call for national repentance. It is too late. Instead, he predicts the destruction of Judah, and beyond that the doom of the Chaldeans themselves. And he promises that the only way to preserve your life through the judgment is by faith. So even though destruction is decreed for the nation, there is hope for individuals who hold fast their confidence in God. The full-blown doctrine of justification by faith, as Paul taught it in Romans and Galatians, is not yet here. But the seed is here. So what I would like to do today is survey the content of this prophetic book, then focus on its main point and how it unfolds in the New Testament as the great gospel truth of justification by faith. Read more.

John Piper, Desiring God Commentary, October 31, 1982

Contrast the prophecies of Habakkuk with the prophecies of Joel.

Joel 2:1-11 Prophecy of the destruction of Zion (Israel); Joel 2:12-17 God calls for repentance; Joel 2:18-27 God accepts their repentance; Joel 2:28-32 God states the stage for all mankind to be saved

What is Faith?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Wordreference online Dictionary: faith

• Confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another’s ability.
• The obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc
• The trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.

“Faith affirms many things, respecting which the senses are silent, but nothing that they deny. It is superior, but never opposed to their testimony.” — Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)

What is Hope?

Wordreference online Dictionary: hope

English: a feeling that events will turn out well

Spanish: Confidence that what is desired will happen or be achieved

Romans 5:4 — “Patience produces character, and character produces hope.”

Practical Application

The future of the United States of America is certain to experience the consequences of the sins of our people. Consider the unchecked evil in our country.

• SATAN WORSHIP/CHILD SACRIFICE
  • ABC News, July 27, 2015 | Why Detroit Has the Largest Satanist Temple Chapter in the US
  • Newsweek, October 4, 2022 | Satanic Temple Sues States for Infringing on ‘Religious Abortion Ritual’
  • Gateway Pundit, September 6, 2021 | Satanists Admit They Are Making Child Sacrifice Through Abortion an Official Ritual by the Satanic Temple
• DRUGS: The United States consumes more illicit drugs than any other country. It is estimated that approximately six percent of people in the United States use illegal drugs. — World Population Review, Drug Use by Country 2023
• CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING: The United States … is a top destination for victims and a major transit hub. Studies estimate that 83% of child trafficking victims in the U.S. are Americans.
• GOVERNMENT PROMOTES HOMOSEXUALITY: Our federal government opposes Bible-believing Christians and Jews but openly celebrates homosexuality. [On June 1, 2021], President Biden issued a proclamation affirming June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month, marking a time a time of hope, progress, and promise for LGBTQ+ Americans across the country. Some of our 50 states actually give license to lawlessness.— FACT SHEET: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Champions LGBTQ+ Equality and Marks Pride Month

What is the future for America?

Open discussion

What can we do?

Be lanterns of hope to our neighbors, family members, and people with whom we have personal encounters. Yes, God is angry at the sins of our people. As in the time of Habakkuk, America is not immune from the wrath of God.

You have a life-changing story people need to hear. Learn to tell your story, as per 1 Peter 3:15.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16

You are invited!

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D. says loneliness is now a severe public health threat that it’s on par with smoking and obesity.

Psychiatrist Dr.Daniel Amen told CBN Newswatch, “I actually believe we’re on the beginning of a tidal wave of brain and mental health problems in young people, and it’s because we’re more disconnected than ever before, disconnected from our own families because when people are together their faces are buried in their gadgets.”

What is Dr. Amen’s prescription? “Go back to church. Get involved. Get involved with groups. We have to go back. And really, no better place to solve it than the church.”

The Lanterns of Hope Life Group is open to adults of all ages, whether single or married. Church membership is not a prerequisite. If you seek hope in troubled times or you want to be equipped to encourage others, we have a place for you.

LP Kids has a place for children from six weeks old through elementary school ages. To speed up your children’s check-in, preregister here: LP KIDS PRE-REGISTRATION.

Students have their own meeting places and events. Learn about them here: LP STUDENTS.

Join us every Saturday evening at 7:00 PM in room W304 of the Lakepointe Church, Rockwall Campus. Volunteers and staff can direct you to room W304 of the West Building. Find ample parking near the west entrance on the west parking lot and in the two-story parking garage.

Lakepointe Church
 701 E. Interstate 30
Rockwall, Texas 75087