in wrath remember mercy . . . the just shall live by faith - Free sermon ...

TEXT: Habakkuk 3:1-19TITLE: PERSEVERING PERSPECTIVE – GOD WILL DELIVER HIS PEOPLEBIG IDEA:THE PERSEVERING PERSPECTIVE COMBINES THE SHORT TERM PAINOF DISCIPLINE WITH THE TRIUMPHANT RESOLVE TO REJOICE INGOD’S LONG TERM DELIVERANCEREVIEW:We have seen the prophet wrestle honestly with the perplexing paradox ofHow could a righteous God use a wicked nation as His instrument ofdiscipline against His own people? (Chapter 1)We have seen God answer by reinforcing the permanent principle thatGod is a righteous Judge and the wicked will by no means escapeJudgment. (Chapter 2)Now we see the prophet resting triumphantly in the persevering perspective thatThe joy and strength of the Lord can sustain the prophet through theshort term pain of discipline in anticipation of God’s long termdeliverance. (Chapter 3)I. (:1-2) CHANGED PERSPECTIVE OF THE PROPHET –COMBINES ACCEPTANCE OF DISCIPLINE WITH HOPE FOR THE FUTUREA. (:1) Posture of Prayer“A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth.”No longer arguing and complaining because of his perplexitiesMacArthur: The precise meaning is unknown (its singular form occurs in the heading toPs 7). In light of the musical notation at the end of chap. 3, it is thought that it has amusical-liturgical significance, and that this chapter was sung.B. (:2) Plea for Revival and Mercy1. Foundational Attitude of Fear of the Lord = The Beginning of Wisdom“Lord, I have heard the report about You and I fear.”2. Plea for Revival“O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years,In the midst of the years make it known;”3. Plea for Mercy – While Accepting Discipline“In wrath remember mercy.”One of the key phrases in the book