Finding Faith Amidst Evil and Suffering
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound questions that often trouble believers: Why does evil exist, and why does God allow suffering? Drawing from Habakkuk chapter 2, we explored how these questions can either drive us away from God or draw us closer to Him. We acknowledged that while the problem of evil has led many to deny God, it also causes believers to doubt and grow weary. The world is filled with wickedness, blasphemy, and spiritual apathy, which can burden our hearts and minds.
We discussed the distinction between questioning God and asking questions of God. Questioning God comes from a place of doubt, while asking questions of God comes from a place of faith. God’s response to Habakkuk, and to us, is built on His eternal nature, His holiness, and His sovereignty. God reminds us that He is eternal, and His work transcends generations. He is holy and will deal with sin in His time. His sovereignty assures us that He is in control, even when we don't understand His ways.
God's answer to the problem of evil is multifaceted. First, He reminds us of His provision: "The just shall live by his faith." This points to the ultimate provision of salvation through Jesus Christ, who experienced the greatest evil on the cross. Second, God assures us of His purpose: "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord." This future hope promises that all will be restored and that God's glory will fill the earth. Finally, God points to His power: "The Lord is in His holy temple." This reminds us that God is still on the throne, and He is in control of all things.
In conclusion, we are called to draw near to God, especially when we are burdened and weary. By trusting in His eternal nature, His holiness, and His sovereignty, we can find peace and assurance even in the midst of a troubled world. Let us bring our burdens to the Lord and trust in His divine plan, knowing that He is always in control.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Problem of Evil and Our Response: The existence of evil can either drive us away from God or draw us closer to Him. While questioning God comes from doubt, asking questions of God comes from faith. Trusting in God's eternal nature, holiness, and sovereignty helps us navigate these difficult questions. [45:23]
2. God's Eternal Nature: God is eternal, and His work transcends generations. This means that His plans may take longer than our lifetimes to unfold. We must respond with patience, trusting that God's timing is perfect and that He is not obligated to work according to our schedules. [51:25]
3. The Just Shall Live by Faith: This profound statement points to the ultimate provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. Despite the evil in the world, we are reminded that our faith in Christ justifies us and gives us eternal life. This assurance helps us endure the trials and tribulations of this world. [57:53]
4. Future Hope and Restoration: God's promise that "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" gives us hope for the future. This assurance tells us that God will restore all things to their intended purpose, and that evil and suffering are only temporary. [01:02:34]
5. God's Sovereignty and Power: The statement "The Lord is in His holy temple" reminds us that God is still on the throne and in control of all things. This understanding helps us find peace and assurance, knowing that God is sovereign over the world, our nation, our community, and our personal lives. [01:05:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:44] - Introduction and Opening Prayer
[42:26] - Announcements and Community Updates
[43:51] - Judgment House Outreach
[44:31] - Introduction to Habakkuk Chapter 2
[45:23] - The Problem of Evil
[46:55] - Questioning vs. Asking Questions of God
[48:09] - Trusting God's Integrity
[49:29] - God's Response to Habakkuk
[50:11] - The Importance of a Personal Relationship with God
[51:25] - God's Eternal Nature
[52:45] - God's Holiness and Patience
[55:50] - God's Sovereignty
[57:53] - The Just Shall Live by Faith
[01:02:34] - Future Hope and Restoration
[01:05:38] - God's Sovereignty and Power
[01:10:05] - Drawing Near to God
[01:11:51] - Invitation to Trust and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Habakkuk 2:1-4
- Romans 1:17
- Hebrews 10:38
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the distinction between questioning God and asking questions of God as discussed in the sermon? ([48:09])
2. According to Habakkuk 2:4, what is the significance of "The just shall live by his faith"? How is this concept expanded in the New Testament? ([57:53])
3. What future hope does God promise in Habakkuk 2:14, and how does this relate to the restoration of all things? ([01:02:34])
4. How does the statement "The Lord is in His holy temple" provide assurance of God's sovereignty and control? ([01:05:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's eternal nature help believers respond to the problem of evil and suffering in the world? ([51:25])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's holiness and patience are demonstrated in His response to sin and wickedness? ([52:45])
3. How does the concept of living by faith, as mentioned in Habakkuk 2:4, provide comfort and assurance to believers facing trials and tribulations? ([57:53])
4. What does the promise of future restoration in Habakkuk 2:14 imply about God's ultimate plan for the world and His people? ([01:02:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned God’s actions or allowed doubt to creep in. How can you shift from questioning God to asking questions of God in faith? ([48:09])
2. How can you cultivate patience in your life, trusting in God's eternal nature and His perfect timing, especially when facing prolonged challenges? ([51:25])
3. In what practical ways can you live out the principle "The just shall live by his faith" in your daily life, especially when confronted with evil or suffering? ([57:53])
4. How does the promise of future restoration and the knowledge of God's glory filling the earth give you hope in your current circumstances? ([01:02:34])
5. When you feel burdened and weary, what steps can you take to draw near to God and find peace in His sovereignty and control? ([01:05:38])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's divine plan. How can you actively submit this area to God and trust in His goodness and glory? ([01:11:51])
7. How can you remind yourself daily that God is still on the throne and in control, especially when faced with the chaos and wickedness of the world? ([01:05:38])
Devotional
Day 1: Navigating the Problem of Evil with Faith
The existence of evil in the world can be a profound challenge to our faith. It can either drive us away from God or draw us closer to Him. The key is in how we respond to these difficult questions. Questioning God often comes from a place of doubt and can lead to a weakening of our faith. However, asking questions of God, as Habakkuk did, comes from a place of faith and a desire to understand His ways. Trusting in God's eternal nature, holiness, and sovereignty helps us navigate these difficult questions and find peace amidst the chaos. [45:23]
Habakkuk 1:2-3 (ESV): "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you 'Violence!' and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by the presence of evil or suffering. How can you shift from questioning God to asking questions of God in faith?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Eternal Nature
God's eternal nature means that His work transcends generations and is not confined to our limited understanding of time. This can be challenging for us, as we often desire immediate answers and solutions. However, we must respond with patience, trusting that God's timing is perfect and that He is not obligated to work according to our schedules. By recognizing His eternal nature, we can find peace in knowing that His plans are unfolding in ways that we may not yet understand. [51:25]
2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you are struggling to see God's plan. How can you practice patience and trust in His eternal nature today?
Day 3: Living by Faith in a Troubled World
"The just shall live by his faith" is a profound statement that points to the ultimate provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. Despite the evil in the world, we are reminded that our faith in Christ justifies us and gives us eternal life. This assurance helps us endure the trials and tribulations of this world, knowing that our ultimate hope is in Christ. By living by faith, we can navigate the challenges of life with a sense of peace and purpose. [57:53]
Romans 1:17 (ESV): "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
Reflection: Identify a specific trial or challenge you are currently facing. How can you actively live out your faith in this situation, trusting in God's provision and salvation?
Day 4: Hope in Future Restoration
God's promise that "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" gives us hope for the future. This assurance tells us that God will restore all things to their intended purpose, and that evil and suffering are only temporary. By holding onto this future hope, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere through the difficulties of life, knowing that God's ultimate plan is one of restoration and glory. [01:02:34]
Isaiah 11:9 (ESV): "They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Reflection: Think about a situation or area in your life where you feel hopeless. How can the promise of future restoration give you hope and strength to persevere?
Day 5: Finding Peace in God's Sovereignty
"The Lord is in His holy temple" reminds us that God is still on the throne and in control of all things. This understanding helps us find peace and assurance, knowing that God is sovereign over the world, our nation, our community, and our personal lives. By trusting in His sovereignty, we can let go of our anxieties and rest in the knowledge that He is in control, even when we don't understand His ways. [01:05:38]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you are struggling to find peace. How can you surrender this area to God's sovereignty and trust in His control?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I'm so glad God is not bothered by my burdens and needs and prayers. And somebody told me, said, you know, God's a busy God. Quit asking small prayers. But I'm going to keep on praying for good parking spaces and finding my keys when I've lost them. I'm going to keep on praying, and this isn't a small thing, but I'm glad that God's concerned about our leaky roof just like He is. The things of this universe, and it's not too much problem for Him to answer those prayers." [43:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The amazing thing is, is that even though we are born into this world, separated from God and out of relationship with him, God has gone to great extent. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that you could be brought back into a relationship with him. And this morning, you don't have to come to this altar right where you're sitting. You can simply say, God, I admit that I am a sinner and I can do nothing to save myself, but I believe that Jesus Christ, your son, died for me, that he rose again. And you can confess him as your Lord and Savior." [50:11] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When I see evil in this world, I see what God has already done. God has taken steps. God has taken the actions to get to the root of evil and not only do away with it, but to root it out at its root through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. And so when I see evil, I can rejoice that there is one who is greater than that evil and he has provided salvation." [01:00:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In this world, you will have tribulation. There's going to be times where you're going to ask why. There's going to be questions. There's going to be things you don't understand. There's going to be things you don't comprehend. But I love the rest of that verse. Jesus does not leave us at, in this world, you will have tribulation. Jesus says, but. Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. That's the blessed promise." [01:10:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I will remind you that there is a distinction between asking questions of God and questioning God. Questioning God comes from a place of doubt. And it calls God's integrity and character into question. Asking questions of God. God says, God, I trust you. It comes from a place of faith. And I trust you enough to know that you have a reason for what you are doing. And when we ask that question, instead of us drifting away, instead of it driving us away from God, it can actually draw us closer to God." [48:09] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is not obligated to respond to our time schedules. God, why haven't you done this? Why isn't this taking place? God, I prayed about this five minutes ago. Why haven't you answered? We want to rush God, and yet God is at work. He is an eternal God. The ultimate consequences that explain God's actions may not come soon and may not come in a lifetime. God required Habakkuk to be patient." [52:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is not obligated for us to explain himself to us. If you don't understand, what God is doing, take a number and stand in line. God's under no obligation to explain himself to us. But he is a holy God. And coupled with his eternity, it tells us that God will deal with sin. You look around at this world and it seems like the wicked are prospering. And the psalmist said, I saw the wicked prospering. I saw the righteous struggling. And I was perplexed by it until I went to the house of God and I saw their end." [53:25] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God doesn't always respond to wickedness. And I am so glad that he is a God of mercy that does not respond immediately to sin. Because I have sinned and I'm thankful that he didn't respond immediately to it, but in his mercy. You see, we all want mercy for ourselves. We all want grace for ourselves. But all those other wicked sinners are going to deserve what happens to them. And it better happen quick or just, God, where are you? You're falling down. You're falling down on the job." [54:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is still on the throne. When we look at the iniquity and the blasphemy and the tragedy and all the things around us that can weigh on our minds. And I'm going to have to be transparent. They weigh on my minds because you can't get them on my mind. I don't have more than one. One's bad enough. They weigh on my mind. They weigh on my heart. They weigh on my soul. And they can pressure us. Everywhere we look, we hear this, and we hear this person, and they've got their opinion about it. And this person's way over on this side, and they've got their opinion. And I'm sitting over here thinking, man, you're all wrong." [01:07:20] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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