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

1) Those who trust in God will be spared. 2:4B. His "instruments" of judgment will be judged themselves. 2:161) The Babylonians thought they were following their own agenda.2) They were wrong.C. God is still in charge. 2:201) Even when events seem out of control, God can be trusted.2) God is the ruler of history.a) Not everything that happens is good.b) But God can take everything that happens and turn itfor good.D. Faith is required on our part. 3:161) Sometimes we will see our vindication, sometimes not.2) God often works in round-about ways. (Babylonians)V. Habakkuk never got to see the results of his prophecy.A. Israel kept on sinning and Babylonians came.1) Only years later did the Babylonians got theirs.2) In the end, the Jews came out purer and more dedicated to God.B. Nevertheless, Habakkuk was at peace with God.1) Genuine faith doesn't require loose ends to be tied up.2) Peace even in the midst of trouble. 3:173) He was able to rejoice in God. 3:18C. Do we only believe when it "works"? 3:17-18D. With salvation, nothing should be able to stop us from rejoicingin God.1) We don't thank God for hard times.2) We thank God that he can bring good out of them.a) Even if he hasn't done it yet!E. When God seems distant, he is often the closest.Keathley: Habakkuk now understands and offers a prayer of praise because God is incontrol.- He pleads for mercy in the midst of the judgment (1-2).He is afraid of what is coming. He knows it will be awful. UndoubtedlyHe will suffer too. Maybe personally, but at least through witnessing thedeath and destruction of those around him.- He praises God's majesty and power (3-15).- He promises to wait on the Lord (16-19).