Living by Faith: Resilience in Trials and Adversity
Summary
### Summary
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. Today, we delved into the profound message found in the book of Habakkuk, particularly focusing on the phrase, "The just shall live by faith." This phrase, echoed by Paul in the book of Hebrews, serves as a cornerstone for understanding how faith sustains us through trials and tribulations. We began by acknowledging the challenges faced by our community, including those who are ill and those undergoing difficult circumstances. We prayed for God's comfort and healing for them and their families.
Habakkuk's context is crucial for understanding his message. He prophesied during a time of great wickedness and impending doom for Israel, foreseeing the Babylonian captivity. Habakkuk questioned God's justice, asking why He allowed such rampant evil. God's response was that He would use the Babylonians to punish Israel, but He would also punish Babylon for their own sins. This duality shows that God can use even the unrighteous to fulfill His purposes, but they are not exempt from His judgment.
The core message is that the just shall live by faith, even when circumstances seem dire. This faith is not a fallback for the ignorant but a profound trust in God's ultimate plan. We explored how faith is often misunderstood as a gap-filler for ignorance, but in reality, it is a source of understanding and resilience. Paul in Hebrews reiterates this by encouraging believers to endure suffering with the hope of Christ's return, emphasizing that our trials are temporary and that Christ's coming is imminent.
We also discussed the modern challenges to Christianity, both from within and outside the church. The commercialization of faith and the rise of ideologies that challenge Christian beliefs are significant issues. Yet, the message remains that God's grace is sufficient to sustain us. We are called to live by faith, to be resilient, and to find strength in God's promises.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to adopt an attitude of thankfulness, even in the face of adversity. By focusing on the good things God has done, we can reduce our complaints and find joy in His grace. This perspective not only sustains us but also serves as a powerful testimony to others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as Sustenance: Faith is not merely an emotional crutch but a profound source of understanding and resilience. It helps us articulate and reflect on difficult issues, providing a foundation for enduring trials. Faith bridges the gap between our limited knowledge and God's infinite wisdom, sustaining us through life's challenges. [32:14]
2. God's Dual Justice: God can use even the unrighteous to fulfill His purposes, but they are not exempt from His judgment. This duality is evident in how He used Babylon to punish Israel and then punished Babylon for their own sins. It reminds us that God's justice is comprehensive and His plans are beyond our understanding. [40:19]
3. Endurance Through Trials: The just shall live by faith, even when circumstances seem dire. This faith is a source of strength and endurance, helping us to remain focused on God's promises. Paul's message in Hebrews encourages us to endure suffering with the hope of Christ's return, emphasizing that our trials are temporary. [56:14]
4. Thankfulness in Adversity: Adopting an attitude of thankfulness, even in the face of adversity, can transform our perspective. By focusing on the good things God has done, we can reduce our complaints and find joy in His grace. This perspective not only sustains us but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. [01:08:57]
5. The Imminence of Christ's Return: The coming of Christ should be a central theme in our lives, providing comfort and hope. Despite the challenges we face, the promise of His return gives us strength and resilience. We are reminded that our current sufferings are temporary and that Christ's return will bring ultimate justice and restoration. [01:00:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:59] - Prayers for the Sick
[23:49] - Introduction to Habakkuk
[24:30] - The Just Shall Live by Faith
[25:22] - Challenges of Waiting for Christ
[26:06] - Christianity in Turkey
[27:10] - Commercialization of Faith
[28:49] - Fake Christianity
[29:28] - Misuse of Faith
[30:25] - Sustaining Faith Amidst Challenges
[31:26] - Faith vs. Science
[32:14] - Faith as Understanding
[33:08] - Defense of Faith
[33:32] - Habakkuk's Questions to God
[34:08] - God's Response to Habakkuk
[35:14] - The Perfect Storm of Challenges
[36:00] - Pre-Exilic Prophets
[37:10] - Wickedness in Israel
[38:11] - God's Plan for Babylon
[39:27] - Habakkuk's Second Question
[40:19] - God's Dual Justice
[41:24] - Lessons from Babylon
[42:18] - The Just Shall Live by Faith
[43:16] - Faith in Babylonian Captivity
[44:50] - Sustained by Faith
[45:10] - False Worship in Babylon
[46:08] - The Handwriting on the Wall
[47:23] - Silence Before God
[48:21] - The End of Babylon
[49:15] - Prophecy Fulfilled
[50:12] - Habakkuk's Prayer
[51:05] - Rejoicing in Adversity
[52:10] - Beyond Inconveniences
[53:30] - Thankfulness in Prayer
[54:23] - Paul's Perspective in Hebrews
[55:17] - The Coming of Christ
[56:14] - Endurance and Faith
[57:05] - The Source of Comfort
[58:14] - Temporary Trials
[59:05] - The Imminence of Christ's Return
[01:00:50] - The Day of the Lord
[01:02:39] - Sustained by Grace
[01:03:31] - Testing of Faith
[01:04:16] - Resilient Believers
[01:05:09] - Attitude of Thankfulness
[01:06:13] - Ministry Through Suffering
[01:07:10] - Positive Attitude
[01:08:04] - Gratitude Reduces Complaints
[01:08:57] - Practical Exercise in Thankfulness
[01:12:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Habakkuk 2:4 - "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith."
2. Hebrews 10:37-38 - "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
3. 2 Peter 3:10 - "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Habakkuk's initial reaction to the wickedness he saw around him, and how did he express this to God? ([34:08])
2. How does God respond to Habakkuk's complaints about using the Babylonians to punish Israel? ([39:27])
3. According to Hebrews 10:37-38, what is the promise given to those who live by faith? ([56:14])
4. What does 2 Peter 3:10 say about the timing and nature of the day of the Lord? ([01:00:50])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "the just shall live by faith" provide comfort and strength during times of trial and suffering? ([56:14])
2. In what ways does the duality of God's justice, as seen in His dealings with Israel and Babylon, challenge our understanding of fairness and righteousness? ([40:19])
3. How can the imminent return of Christ influence a believer's perspective on current sufferings and challenges? ([58:14])
4. What role does thankfulness play in sustaining faith, especially during difficult times? ([01:08:57])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like Habakkuk, questioning God's justice in the face of evil. How did you find comfort or resolution? ([34:08])
2. How can you apply the principle of "the just shall live by faith" in your current life situation? What specific steps can you take to strengthen your faith? ([56:14])
3. Considering the duality of God's justice, how can you reconcile the use of seemingly negative events or people in your life for a greater purpose? ([40:19])
4. How does the promise of Christ's return shape your daily actions and decisions? Are there specific areas in your life where this hope can bring more resilience and strength? ([58:14])
5. Identify one area of your life where you can adopt a more thankful attitude. How can focusing on gratitude transform your perspective on this issue? ([01:08:57])
6. Think of a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did your faith help you endure it, and what did you learn from the experience? ([56:14])
7. How can you encourage others in your community to live by faith and adopt an attitude of thankfulness, even in adversity? ([01:08:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Source of Understanding and Resilience
Faith is not merely an emotional crutch but a profound source of understanding and resilience. It helps us articulate and reflect on difficult issues, providing a foundation for enduring trials. Faith bridges the gap between our limited knowledge and God's infinite wisdom, sustaining us through life's challenges. This understanding of faith is crucial, especially when we face situations that seem beyond our control or comprehension. By trusting in God's plan, we find the strength to persevere and the wisdom to navigate life's complexities. [32:14]
Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV): "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith help you understand and navigate through it? How can you deepen your trust in God's wisdom in future trials?
Day 2: God's Comprehensive Justice
God can use even the unrighteous to fulfill His purposes, but they are not exempt from His judgment. This duality is evident in how He used Babylon to punish Israel and then punished Babylon for their own sins. It reminds us that God's justice is comprehensive and His plans are beyond our understanding. This concept challenges us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when we see wickedness prevailing temporarily. It reassures us that no one is beyond God's reach and that His justice will ultimately prevail. [40:19]
Isaiah 10:12 (ESV): "When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you saw injustice. How does knowing that God's justice is comprehensive and inevitable change your perspective on that situation?
Day 3: Endurance Through Faith
The just shall live by faith, even when circumstances seem dire. This faith is a source of strength and endurance, helping us to remain focused on God's promises. Paul's message in Hebrews encourages us to endure suffering with the hope of Christ's return, emphasizing that our trials are temporary. This perspective helps us to see beyond our immediate struggles and to hold on to the hope that Christ's return will bring ultimate restoration and justice. [56:14]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing? How can you remind yourself of God's promises and find strength to endure through faith?
Day 4: Thankfulness in Adversity
Adopting an attitude of thankfulness, even in the face of adversity, can transform our perspective. By focusing on the good things God has done, we can reduce our complaints and find joy in His grace. This perspective not only sustains us but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. When we choose to be thankful, we shift our focus from our problems to God's provision, which can bring peace and joy even in difficult times. [01:08:57]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: List three things you are thankful for today, even if you are facing challenges. How can you make thankfulness a daily habit?
Day 5: The Imminence of Christ's Return
The coming of Christ should be a central theme in our lives, providing comfort and hope. Despite the challenges we face, the promise of His return gives us strength and resilience. We are reminded that our current sufferings are temporary and that Christ's return will bring ultimate justice and restoration. This hope encourages us to live faithfully and to keep our eyes on the eternal promises of God. [01:00:50]
2 Peter 3:10 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."
Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and actions? What changes can you make to live more in light of this hope?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are often confronted with challenges as Christians. I know some people have asked questions like. If the Lord delays his coming. He may find when he comes. Very few people. Because people are getting tired of waiting for him. It's like. As much as others are coming and others are leaving. So he needs to come. Very quickly before people leave the faith." [25:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christianity. Has become big business. People are making a lot of money. I think it was Trevor Noah who said. Christ fed 5,000. But today 5,000 is feeding the evangelist. And the pastor. It's the other way around. Instead of us feeding the 5,000. The 5,000 is feeding the one person." [27:53] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "That God's grace is sufficient. To sustain us. Through this very very challenging time. It is sufficient. To sustain us. And that's the message. That comes through to the book of Habakkuk. And later on. The book of Hebrews. That the just shall live by faith." [30:59] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you live a life that has less complaints, there's something about being grateful that makes a big difference. When you are grateful, you try it. You can actually try it. If you are grateful, somehow when you are grateful, the list of your complaints gets reduced." [01:08:57] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "May God help me to use this situation I'm going through as a platform to minister to others. When you do that, when you do that, something happens. When you do that, something happens. When you live a life that has less complaints, there's something about being grateful that makes a big difference." [01:08:04] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need to have strong Christians. We need to have resilient believers. We are sick and tired of fake religion that is making weak Christians. Whenever, I call those discipline Christians, whenever there's a problem, you run and you want to discipline, you want to run. You want to learn to endure the headache." [01:05:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The just shall live by faith. The just shall be. Sustained. By faith. Even though the event may tarry. Wait for it. It will happen. And then that text says. Behold the proud. His soul is not upright in him." [42:18] (-1074 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Though the fig tree may not blossom. No fruit be on the vines. Though the labor of the olive may fail. And the fields yield no food. Though the flock may be cut off from the fold. And there be no head in the stalls. Yet. Will I rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength. He will make my feet like deer's feet." [51:05] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to find a way, Paul says, in everything, in everything, give thanks. It's an attitude, beloved, thanks is an attitude. It is this stubborn attitude that yes, I am in trouble. No, I've visited people, not in prison. I haven't been very much frequent in prison, but in hospital." [01:05:09] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The coming of Christ should be the talk of the town. It should be the theme right through in all our discourses. That's why I felt I cannot end the committee without reminding you that in spite of all the challenges we face, Jesus Christ is coming. And by the way, the moment you see all that you are going through and you look at that from the light of the coming of Christ, it becomes nothing." [58:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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