Welcome to the Weekend Sermon. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well today. I pray that the blessings of the Lord will be upon you.
For the past couple of weeks, we have been in a series studying the book of Habakkuk. We have seen that the prophet begins by asking God how long it will be before He brings judgment on the wickedness of the people. We know as believers in Jesus that even though it seems as if evil often triumphs, Jesus will return one day and restore all things. His justice and righteousness shall prevail. Last week, we saw that God answered Habakkuk and told him that the Babylonians would be the ones that God would use as an instrument of judgment. The prophet couldn't understand this. The Babylonians were worse than the Israelites in their behavior. The prophet asked God what this was all about.
Today, we see that God answers Habakkuk. Chapter 2 of this short book relays to us that God has everything in His control. God assures Habakkuk that the Babylonians will not get away with their bad behavior. God calls out this nation for the wrong things that they have done. They have worshipped idols and not the True and Living God. They have committed acts of violence and exploitation. While it may seem that they will prevail in their wickedness for a time, it will not last. We know from history that the Babylonian Empire didn't last too long. After them came the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans etc. Any kingdom that sets itself up against God and the things of God will eventually fall.
In Habakkuk 2:4, God gives the prophet, and us, the key to living in this world. This verse states, " Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him, but the just shall live by his faith." This is one of the key verses in Scripture. It will be quoted in the New Testament in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38.
In the context of Habakkuk, the Lord is telling Habakkuk two things. First of all, Habakkuk might not understand everything that the Lord is doing, but the prophet needed to have faith in the Lord. He needed to believe that God would work everything out perfectly according to His will. Also, the Lord was telling the prophet that there were many unrighteous people in the world. They were boastful and prideful, but they would not last in their sin. The person that is pleasing to God and acceptable to God is the one who has faith in God. He does not put his trust in what he can do, he puts his faith and trust in God and in God alone.
Why is this verse so often quoted in the New Testament? First of all, it is the key in coming to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one can come to the Lord by doing good. No one is righteous and all have sinned. It doesn't matter how good you are nor how many good works you try to do, it will not lead to salvation. A person can only come to the Lord by faith. That person must believe that Jesus died for their sins. They must believe that Jesus rose from the grave. They must ask Jesus to forgive them of their sins and be the Lord of their lives. They must entirely depend on what Jesus did for them. When that happens, Jesus takes away their sin and gives them His righteousness. The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith and not by works. Our salvation comes through Jesus Christ and through Christ alone.
Now, what else does it mean for us that the just shall live by faith. Just as Habakkuk had to do, we have to trust in what we see the Lord Jesus doing in this world. We have to believe that He is making all things new. By faith, we must believe in the promise of the Lord Jesus that He is coming again. By faith, while we wait for His return, we serve Him in faithfulness living the righteous and holy life that He asks us to live.
If you are reading this message, I hope that you have placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus. You cannot redeem yourself. Your good works will not save you. Place your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says that whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
You may be going through a difficult time in life right now. Have faith in the promises of the Lord. He said that He would never leave you nor forsake you. He has promised that He has prepared a place for us so that where He is, we can be there with Him forever. Have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I haven't been feeling too bad recently. My sinuses are giving me some problem, so please pray that I will be restored to really good health. Thank you.
Right now there is great tension between Russia and Ukraine. We need to pray for peace in this situation. Continue to pray for peace in Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia and Chad.
Pray for the people of Tonga. This little country is going through a really hard time due to the volcano eruption and tsunami. Pray that they will receive the aid that they need.
Continue to pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Pray for the healthcare workers, and pray that the sick will recover.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those living in Burkina Faso and Israel. Pray that many will come to know of the love of Jesus.
Next week, we will continue our series in Habakkuk. I will post the verses on Monday, and there will be a review midweek. May God bless you all.
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