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““THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE IN HIS FAITHFULNESS”

Thesis: To teach the hearers that God indeed does use evil that good may come, and the proper response to such evil, and any circumstance.

Text: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4

Introduction,
1. Today we are going to look at the book of “Habakkuk,” it was penned at about 610 BC, shortly before Judah was taken into Babylonian captivity, the name “Habakkuk” means “to embrace” or “one who embraces.”

2. The times then were pretty much as they are today in this country, everyone was out for self, the true religion of God was neglected, idol worship was propagated (covetousness in our country, which is idolatry; Col 3:5), and the worship that they did offer to Jehovah was laced with the things of men, and it wasn’t from the heart.

3. The purpose of the book of Habakkuk is 3 fold . . .
1) To pronounce judgment upon Babylon
2) To encourage Judah to make things right with God
3) And to answer the question, “why do the righteous suffer?”

4. One of the unique features of the book is that not only did Habakkuk take Jehovah’s message to the people, but also Habakkuk took the people’s message to Jehovah.

5. In chapter 1:1-4 Habakkuk puts forth the question, “why do the wicked [of Judah] triumph over the righteous?” In other words “why wasn’t Judah punished yet?”

6. And in ch 1: 5-11 Jehovah answers the prophet and basically states “I am raising up the Chaldeans [Babylon] to do so.” And then Habakkuk sets forth another question in response to God’s answer, and this is where we will enter into the text and look at . . .
1) The Complaint (Hab 1:12-2:1)
2) The Command (Hab 2:2-4)

I. THE COMPLAINT (Hab 1:12-2:1)

A. (v 12)

Hab 1:12 Art not thou from everlasting, O Jehovah my God, my Holy One? we shall not die. O Jehovah, thou hast ordained him for judgment; and thou, O Rock, hast established him for correction.

Here the prophet exalts and brings forth an attribute of God, His eternal nature, He is the One “Who was, Who is, and Who is to come”

1. And in contrast to that, the faithful remnant of the nation is put forth, “we shall not die” speaks of them, and is probably an illusion to Habakkuk’s belief that they will not totally perish, for through them the Messiah and His kingdom, the eternal purpose of God would be brought forth.

a. In like manner we who are of the faithful remnant today, ought to posses that type confidence, and know that all of God’s promises will ultimately come to pass (2 Pet 3:13),

2Pe 3:13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

b. And we should look forward to it with great anticipation, (Tit 2:13)

Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

c. Being prepared to give to any person that asks us the reason for the hope that is in us (1 Pet 3:15; 1:3).

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

2. Habakkuk here states that he realizes that the Chaldeans are to be the rod of correction for the wicked majority of Judah.

a. We also should realize that even to this day God must still does chastise His children because (Pro 13:24; Heb 12:6-9) . . .

Pro 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Heb 12:7 It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not? Heb 12:8 But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards (illegitimate), and not sons. Heb 12:9 Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

B. (v 13)

Hab 1:13 Thou that art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and that canst not look on perverseness, wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy peace when the wicked swalloweth up the man that is more righteous than he;

Here is the problem that Habakkuk does has, he somehow seems to think that because of God’s holiness and pureness, that He cannot use one even more wicked than Judah (the Chaldeans) to do His will.

1. God is indeed good beyond compare, as the Lord stated (Luke 18:19)

Luk 18:19 . . . none is good, save one, even God.

a. But just because that God uses something that is evil, does not mean that He is in fellowship with it, but rather it shows forth His great providential power seen throughout the ages, those that do, and those that don’t submit to God’s will are but putty in His hands. How? Who knoweth? (Deut 29:29)

Deu 29:29 The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

2. This same type of situation can be clearly seen in the account of Joseph and the evil his brothers perpetrated against him, which was but one of many pawns that God used to bring forth the salvation of mankind, of that event it is written (Gen 50:20) . . .

Gen 50:20 And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

C. (v 14-15)

Hab 1:14 and makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? Hab 1:15 He taketh up all of them with the angle, he catcheth them in his net, and gathereth them in his drag: therefore he rejoiceth and is glad.

Here Babylon is pictured as a proficient fisherman, who in his conquest uses all the tools available to his disposal, and takes these less wicked as easy prey, who are likened to a unorganized group, without a leader.

1. I think one problem that the prophet doesn’t see that we with God’s completed revelation should, is that there really is no distinction in wickedness in the eyes of God, sin separates man from his Creator, and that is the hurdle that God wants him to overcome through the power of the gospel.

a. Not that the faithful child of God can attain sinless perfection, but rather the habitual practice and desire for sin is taken away by that perfect Law (Ja 1:25) made for imperfect man, how? The same way as seen in OT (Ps 119:11; 1 John 2:1; 3:9).

Psa 119:11 Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.

1Jo 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1Jo 3:9 Whosoever is begotten of God doeth (practices) no sin, (why?) because his seed (God’s word; Luke 8:11) abideth in him: (it guides and directs the one begotten) and he cannot (continue practicing) sin, because he is begotten of God (for it defiles his conscience in what he knows to be the righteous will of his Father).

b. Therefore we need to be continually feeding upon the word of God (His seed; Luke 8:11), that we might mature from infants unto full grown sons and daughters in His kingdom (1 Pet 2:1-2; 2 Tim 2:15)

1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

2Ti 2:15 Give diligence (study) to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

D. (v 16)

Hab 1:16 Therefore he sacrificeth unto his net, and burneth incense unto his drag; because by them his portion is fat, and his food plenteous.

These heathen are pictured as rejoicing in their conquest, and then they sacrifice to the idols that they believe brought their victory about, but we know from the scriptures, that it is Jehovah that rose them up, and made their victory possible, not these man made images (Dan 4:25b).

Dan 4:25b the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

1. Today also, many believe it is the work of “their” hands that has brought them their victories, yet the scriptures teach that God is the One responsible for all things (Acts 17:25b; John 3:27;19:11; Ja 1:17).

Act 17:25b seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

a. They and we are work of His hands, let us always give credit and praise where it is due ( Heb 3:4)

Heb 3:4 For every house is builded by some one; but he that built all things is God.

E. (v 17)

Hab 1:17 Shall he therefore empty his net, and spare not to slay the nations continually?

Therefore these that attribute their success to false gods, will Jehovah let them continue to reap destruction throughout the earth, those that bow down to the works of their own hands, will He not take issue with them that destroy those less evil and the few faithful?

1. And what about those today, those that propagate another gospel, those that ignore God altogether, why are they allowed to continue in their wickedness, does not God care?

a. This is the same basic question brought forth by the psalmist (Ps 94:3-11) . . .

Psa 94:3 Jehovah, how long shall the wicked, How long shall the wicked triumph? Psa 94:4 They prate, they speak arrogantly: All the workers of iniquity boast themselves. Psa 94:5 They break in pieces thy people, O Jehovah, And afflict thy heritage. Psa 94:6 They slay the widow and the sojourner, And murder the fatherless. Psa 94:7 And they say, Jehovah will not see, Neither will the God of Jacob consider. Psa 94:8 Consider, ye brutish among the people; And ye fools, when will ye be wise? Psa 94:9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? Psa 94:10 He that chastiseth the nations, shall not he correct, Even he that teacheth man knowledge? Psa 94:11 Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, That they are vanity.

b. God’s answer to Habakkuk and all generations is coming forth in the next chapter.

F. (v 2:1)

Hab 2:1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will look forth to see what he will speak with me, and what I shall answer concerning my complaint.

Here the prophet waits for the answer which God will give, he even contemplates his next rebuttal to that which God will say, but the rest of the book teaches us that this did not come to pass, instead of a rebuttal; he gives God his rightful praise in the entire 3rd chapter of the book, may we also do the same (Ps 34:1).

Psa 34:1 I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

1. Today there are those that would state “why has God allows tragedies to take place, does He not care?” a. Those that attempt to place such assertions at the feet of the Almighty need to study the scriptures more diligently in order that they may understand and marvel at the wisdom of the Most High because He Himself states (Isa 55:8-9) . . .

Isa 55:8 . . . my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

b. That was a look into the complaint that Habakkuk brought forth to God, let us look at His answer.

II. THE COMMAND (Hab 2:2-4)

When God speaks, it’s always authoritatively, He is over all (Eph 4:6), His answer, His Word, is His command, they are synonymous, they are one in the same, this can be seen in (1 John 2:4-5).

1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not HIS COMMANDMENTS, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 1Jo 2:5 but whoso keepeth HIS WORD, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:

A. (v 2)

Hab 2:2 And Jehovah answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it.

Habakkuk didn’t have to wait long, He instructs the prophet to write down the vision (the answer) in order that it may be preserved for future generations, this question of why God allows wickedness to prevail still is asked today, but the answer is to be plainly spelled out, that after it is read, the reader may run or hasten to obey according to God’s holy will.

1. And here it is in our very hands (the bible), the answers to why, and what our response is to be, yet our minds will need to be renewed somewhat through study and application of God’s word in order to properly perceive, and make full use of the living waters of His instruction, this is a process that should be taking place daily in the life of the Christian (2 Cor 4:16; Eph 4:20-24; Rom 12:2).

2Co 4:16 Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

Eph 4:20 But ye did not so learn Christ; Eph 4:21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: Eph 4:22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; Eph 4:23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Eph 4:24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Rom 12:2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

B. (v 3) Hab 2:3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hasteth toward the end, and shall not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.

God states that the vision, the revelation that He is giving to Habakkuk would come to pass, the Chaldeans would indeed reaped what they had sowed (Gal 6:7).

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

1. Even at the time of the writing of this book God’s providence was working through the upraising of the Media-Persian nation, which would destroy Babylon, bring the faithful remnant back, rebuild Jerusalem and the temple under Zerubbabel (which are yet to be destroyed) and establish but another intricate piece of the fullness of time (Gal 4:4).

Gal 4:4 but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

C. (v 4a)

Hab 2:4a Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright in him;

God recognized the prideful ungodliness of the Chaldeans, the wise man stated (Pro 16:18).

Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

1. Neither was He overlooking it, but rather He was making use of it, to punish the unfaithful, and to ultimately deliver the remnant, base upon His perfectly laid out time table.

b. The same is true today, God is allowing many things to take place, in order to give time, time for the gospel to be preached, and time for people to respond thereto (2 Pet 3:9).

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

c. For the suffering that takes place in this world is temporal, but after the 2nd coming of the Lord, the suffering and the reward that is assigned at that time, will be eternal (Mt 25:46)

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

d. God is looking at the long haul and not so much short and ultimately insignificant setbacks, we also need to have this mindset (Rom 8:18).

Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.

D. (v 4b)

Hab 2:4b but the righteous shall live by his faith.

And here is God’s answer, to those of Habakkuk’s day, and to those of our day, God would take the Babylonians out, they would never be a power again, but the remnant needs to be aware of God’s time table, and live a life of obedience to His will, and they will inherit eternal life.

1. This verse (4b) would probably be better translated as seen in the ASV margin “but (in contrast to the Chaldean’s prideful ungodliness) the righteous shall live in his faithfulness,” this is not talking about one’s subjective faith (even though that is needed and implied to fulfill this command), but rather that the faithful (faith-filled) child of God will live a life of trusting obedience to God’s word, and as always, that from the heart, not a hypocritical obedience, Paul refers to it as the “obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:26), the obedience that is the fruit of one’s faith.

a. And every time that this passage is quoted by an inspired writer in the NT (3 times - Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38) it refers to this same principle laid out here in the Book of Habakkuk.

b. In Rom 1:17 it means that the righteous will inherit eternal life by faithfulness to the gospel.

c. In Gal 3:11 it means that no man is justified by the Law of Moses, but again rather by his faithfulness to the gospel of Christ.

d. And in Heb 10:38 it means that when Christ came in his figurative coming in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, the righteous one would survive that event by his faithfulness to the instructions given by the Lord concerning it (Mt 24:15-17; Luke 21:20-21), and as far as we know, no faithful Christians perished in that judgment, uninspired records teach us that they escaped to the mountain region of Pella, God has always been able to separate the faithful from the wicked.

e. Yet we know (Heb 11:6) . . .

Heb 11:6 . . . without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.

f. And a persons faith comes from hearing, reading and studying God’s word (Rom 10:17). Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

g. And faith working through love for God and others is to under gird all we do (Gal 5:6).

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

h. But Hab 2:4b is best defined by the command given through John in Rev 2:10b . . .

Rev 2:10b Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.

i. Therefore we must also be faithful, no matter what takes place, living according to that perfect law of liberty, designed for imperfect man, and the first step to living in one’s faithfulness is initial obedience to the once and for all time delivered Faith (Jude 3), the gospel of Christ, wherein . . .

One must . . . Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17)

Rom 10:17 . . . faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

This is how the Father plants the Word within the good ground, the good, honest and open heart

One must . . . Believe that Jesus is the crucified and risen Christ (John 8:24); and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6)

One must . . . Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3 . . . except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

One must . . . Confess Jesus as the Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), the eunuch said . . . “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So must you. And you must confess him through the means of your life of service to Him

One must . . . Be baptized (immersed), which doth now save us (1 Pet 3:21), and washes away our sins (Acts 22:16) immersed into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to that one body (1 Cor 12:13), and writes your name in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 20:12).

And finally one must continue living a holy life (1 Pet 1:15) of faithfulness according to the Gospel of Christ (Rev 2:10), Not perfect, but faithful, for the righteous shall live in his faithfulness Being renewed day by day, through study and application of God’s ever abiding word (John 6:63)

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.


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