Habakkuk Sermon
Habakkuk Sermon
Habakkuk Sermon
We can all relate to arguments with our siblings, coworkers, and partners, but have you ever had an
argument with someone in authority? That can be scary. Today, we are going to examine an argument with
the ultimate authority. The prophet Habakkuk argued with God. Are we even allowed to do that? What does
this mean? It’s okay to ask God hard questions. God’s not intimidated by big questions. Why? Because He
is a big God.
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TEACHING OUTLINE:
TEACHING OUTLINE
— SET UP —
• ILLUSTRATION: Tell a story about an argument you have had.
• Today, we are going to discuss arguments. We are all familiar, right?
• If not, let’s start one right now. (If you’re group size works for this, encourage
a debate amongst your students.)
• Apple vs Android
• Team A vs Team B (Apply to your context.)
• Wa es vs Pancakes
• We all know what it’s like to argue. Whether it was a brawl with your brother or a
disagreement with a friend, you are familiar with the emotional toll an argument can
take on a person. It's exhausting, so why do we do it in the rst place?
• Why do people argue? We often clash when something seems unfair.
• We ght when we want to be right, or we may argue due to confusion.
• An argument is often an attempt to regain control.
— TRANSITION —
• We can all relate to arguments with our siblings, coworkers, and partners, but
have you ever had an argument with someone in authority?
• That can be scary.
• Today, we are going to examine an argument with the ultimate
authority.
• The prophet Habakkuk argued with God.
• The thought of an argument with the Almighty makes many of us uncomfortable.
It's true for me too.
• Are we even allowed to do that? I was shocked to discover that Habakkuk
was not alone in his attempt to debate with the Divine.
• Many Biblical gures grappled with God.
• Moses argues that God was being unfair (Exodus 32).
• Abraham begs for God to spare the people of Sodom (Genesis 18).
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TEACHING OUTLINE:
• Mary petitions for Jesus to do a miracle before His appointed time (John
2).
• Hezekiah pleads for God to let him live longer (2 Kings 20).
• Jesus asked God to alter His plan (Luke 22).
• What does this mean? It’s okay to ask God hard questions. God’s not
intimidated by big questions. Why? Because He is a big God.
• Take a look at the protest of prophet Habakkuk to kick o his book.
BIBLE STUDY:
READ: Habakkuk 1:1-4
How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and con ict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
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TEACHING OUTLINE:
APPLICATION
• One: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask God Tough Questions
• The prophet wasn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Habakkuk opened his
book with a very relatable question: Why, God?
• Why are these bad things happening to my people?
• Why are the good guys losing?
• Why does justice seem lost?
• Why is life so unfair?
• Israel was the underdog in a violent war. People were eeing their homeland,
and countless lives were on the line.
• Habakkuk wanted some answers. His little book of arguments poses
two questions as an opening statement. One, "How long, Lord, must I
call for help, but you do not listen?" (Habakkuk 1:2). Second, he probes,
"Why do you tolerate the treacherous?" (1:3)
• Habakkuk's words may be ancient, but his situation is timeless.
• He asked tough questions. God answered — sort of.
• A voice from heaven came to the prophet and said, "Look at the nations
and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your
days that you would not believe" (1:5).
• God invited Habakkuk to look beyond the present circumstances.
• Were Habakkuk's questions perfectly answered? No, not really.
• Yet God's response radiates hope. To sum it up, God says, "hope is on the
horizon."
• When life looks devastating, keep investigating.
• Know that God has more in store. Prepare to be utterly amazed at God's
ultimate plan.
• Trust God because His purpose is far more clear through the rearview
mirror than the windshield.
• God is working in your life in ways that you won't even believe. Be on
the lookout for something amazing.
—TRANSITION —
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TEACHING OUTLINE:
It may be okay to argue with God, but it’s not okay to stay stuck in an argument
with God. We must let our interrogation push us towards transformation. Even if
the answers aren’t clear and the confusion persists, we must learn how to develop
through our disagreements.
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TEACHING OUTLINE:
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TEACHING OUTLINE:
• You may not understand why you feel stuck. Ask for God to give you
strength to move forward.
• You may not have the answers to your problems, but you can talk to
the world’s best problem solver.
• Let God turn your protest into praise.
• You may not understand it, but I can assure you of this. God can
help you withstand it.
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TALK IT OUT
Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stu .
Ice Breaker: Introduce yourself and share this week’s highs and lows (the best part of
your week and the lowest part of your week).
Q1: What’s one thing that stood out to you about today’s message?
Q2: Did it surprise you to learn about the prophet Habakkuk’s argument with God?
Why or why not?
Q3: Why is it important that we acknowledge all of our feelings to God, even when that
means praying about our anger, frustration, confusion, or doubt?
Q4: How can we ask God tough questions in a healthy way?
Q5: How did Habakkuk change from the beginning of his argument with God to the
end? What can we learn from this?
Application: What tough questions do you want to begin asking God? Commit to
praying to God every day this week to share your feelings about that situation. Be open
to a transformation in your perspective.
READING PLAN
READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY
1 Corinthians 14:33
Psalm 119:169
2 Corinthians 4:8
Jeremiah 17:10
John 16:33
Proverbs 3:1-5
Psalm 35:1-26
READ – the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you,
reading them a second time if necessary.
REFLECT – on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and
experiences?
RESPOND – to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways
to live out what you’ve uncovered.
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