Sermon on The Righteous Shall Live by Faith Habakkuk 2:1-20
Brothers and sisters, let us delve into the profound declaration, "The righteous shall live by faith," a truth that echoes through the ages, found in the book of Habakkuk. This statement is not merely a theological doctrine, but a lifeline, a compass guiding us through the storms of life.
1. The Need to Wait on God (Habakkuk 2:1)
"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint." Habakkuk 2:1 reveals the posture of faith: waiting. It is not a passive waiting, but an active, expectant waiting. It is standing on the ramparts, alert and attentive to God's voice. In a world of instant gratification, we must learn the discipline of waiting on God.
2. God Has a Clear and Certain Plan (Habakkuk 2:2)
"Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”" Habakkuk 2:2 assures us that God's vision is clear and certain. He communicates His plan, not in vague whispers, but in plain, understandable terms. He wants us to know His will, so that we may run with purpose and conviction.
3. God’s Vision is for a Time-Bound (Habakkuk 2:3)
"For the vision awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us that God's timing is perfect. His vision has an appointed time, a moment when it will be fulfilled. Even when it seems delayed, we must trust that it will certainly come. God is never late.
4. Faith is the Key to Living God’s Promise (Habakkuk 2:4)
"See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness." Habakkuk 2:4 is the heart of the message. Faithfulness, or faith, is the key to living God's promise. It is not our strength, our abilities, or our circumstances that determine our destiny, but our faith in God.
5. The Human Condition Without Faith: Pride and Self-Reliance (Habakkuk 2:4)
"See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—" Habakkuk 2:4 contrasts the righteous with the proud. Without faith, we become puffed up, self-reliant, and driven by our own desires. Pride leads to destruction, while faith leads to life. We must recognize our dependence on God and surrender our pride.
6. Violence and Injustice as Consequences of Sin (Habakkuk 2:6)
"Will not all of them taunt him with ridicule and scorn, saying, “Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on?”" Habakkuk 2:6 reveals the consequences of sin: violence and injustice. When we reject God, we create a world of chaos and oppression. The pursuit of wealth and power at the expense of others leads to destruction.
7. Wickedness Will Be Judged by God (Habakkuk 2:14)
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14 declares that God's justice will prevail. Wickedness will not go unpunished. God's glory will be revealed, and His justice will be established. We can trust that He will make all things right.
8. Pride Will Be Exposed and Cast Down (Habakkuk 2:12)
"Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice!" Habakkuk 2:12 warns against building our lives on injustice and pride. God sees our motives and actions. He will expose and cast down those who exalt themselves.
9. The Importance of Recognizing God’s Sovereignty (Habakkuk 2:20)
"The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”" Habakkuk 2:20 emphasizes God's sovereignty. He is enthroned in His holy temple, and all the earth should be silent before Him. Recognizing God's sovereignty leads to humility and reverence.
10. The Response of Faith in the Midst of Uncertainty (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
"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 is the ultimate expression of faith. Even when everything around us is falling apart, we can rejoice in God. Faith allows us to find joy in God, regardless of our circumstances. It is a faith that endures through any storm.
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Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, "The righteous shall live by faith." Let us embrace this truth, trusting in God's promises, waiting on His timing, and finding our joy in Him. Let us walk by faith, not by sight, and experience the abundant life He has promised. Amen.
