Living in Readiness: Responding to God's Call
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound message found in Habakkuk chapter 2. We began by acknowledging that there are no small works in the kingdom of God, emphasizing that every act of service is significant. We then delved into the book of Habakkuk, a lesser-known prophet who wrestled with understanding God's actions and timing. Habakkuk's journey from confusion to clarity serves as a powerful lesson for us today.
We discussed the importance of not just standing idly by but taking action when God calls us. This involves moving beyond "analysis paralysis" and stepping out in faith, even when we don't fully understand God's plans. The story of the general and the wagon master illustrated the necessity of immediate action over prolonged planning.
Habakkuk's questions to God in chapter 1 reflect our own struggles with doubt and the need for renewal. It's not always egregious sins that pull us away from God but the everyday challenges and unanswered questions. God uses these moments to teach us and deepen our faith. In chapter 2, God calls Habakkuk—and us—to readiness, response, and repentance.
We are called to be ready to hear God's voice, to respond in obedience, and to repent of our sins. This readiness involves tuning out distractions and being open to God's correction. Responding means taking immediate action on God's instructions, and repentance involves a genuine change of heart and behavior.
The sermon concluded with a call to live in readiness for Christ's return, to trust in God's promises, and to repent of specific sins like selfish ambition, covetousness, exploitation, and idolatry. True revival starts with us, the church, and requires a sincere commitment to these principles.
### Key Takeaways
1. Readiness to Hear God's Voice: We must be prepared to listen to God amidst the noise of our daily lives. This involves setting aside distractions and being open to His correction. Readiness is not just about waiting but actively preparing our hearts to receive His word. [45:42]
2. Immediate Response to God's Call: Obedience often precedes understanding. We are called to act on God's instructions even when we don't fully grasp His plans. This immediate response is crucial for spiritual growth and aligns us with God's will. [48:49]
3. Living in Expectation of Christ's Return: We should live as if Christ could return at any moment. This mindset transforms our daily actions and priorities, ensuring that we are always prepared for His coming. It challenges us to live a life of holiness and readiness. [51:47]
4. Trusting in God's Promises: Trusting God means resting from our efforts and relying on His strength. This trust is essential for experiencing true revival and renewal in our faith. It involves believing that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [53:26]
5. Repentance from Specific Sins: True revival requires repentance from sins like selfish ambition, covetousness, exploitation, and idolatry. These sins can subtly infiltrate our lives and hinder our relationship with God. Genuine repentance involves a change of heart and behavior, aligning us with God's will. [56:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:17] - Introduction to Habakkuk
[34:20] - Encouragement for Kids' Camp
[35:34] - The Principle of Action
[36:48] - Story of the General and Wagon Master
[37:43] - Habakkuk's Questions and Our Doubts
[38:47] - The Struggle of Faith
[39:44] - Teaching and Learning in Faith
[40:29] - Assurances of Faith
[41:21] - Understanding and Doing
[42:58] - The Danger of Doubt
[44:14] - Call to Personal Revival
[45:42] - Readiness to Hear God's Voice
[47:12] - Responding to God's Call
[48:49] - Immediate Obedience
[50:10] - Giving Your Yes to God
[51:47] - Living in Expectation of Christ's Return
[53:26] - Trusting in God's Promises
[55:24] - Setting Our Sails for Revival
[56:22] - Call to Repentance
[58:17] - Repentance from Covetousness
[58:57] - Exploitation and Drunkenness
[01:00:09] - The Danger of Idolatry
[01:01:28] - Modern Idols
[01:03:10] - The Heart as an Idol Factory
[01:04:50] - The Story of the Golden Calf
[01:06:23] - True Repentance
[01:08:23] - Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Habakkuk 2:1-4: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Habakkuk do in response to his confusion and doubts about God's actions? ([45:42])
2. According to the sermon, what are the three actions God calls Habakkuk to in chapter 2? ([48:49])
3. What are the specific sins mentioned in the sermon that require repentance for true revival? ([56:22])
4. How does the story of the general and the wagon master illustrate the principle of immediate action? ([36:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Habakkuk to be ready to hear God's voice, and how does this readiness apply to us today? ([45:42])
2. What does it mean to live in expectation of Christ's return, and how should this mindset affect our daily lives? ([51:47])
3. How does trusting in God's promises help us experience true revival and renewal in our faith? ([53:26])
4. What is the significance of immediate obedience to God's call, even when we don't fully understand His plans? ([48:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Are there specific distractions in your life that prevent you from hearing God's voice? How can you set aside these distractions to be more open to His correction? ([45:42])
2. Think of a time when you hesitated to act on God's instructions because you didn't fully understand His plans. How can you practice immediate obedience in your current situation? ([48:49])
3. How can you live each day with the expectation that Christ could return at any moment? What changes might you need to make in your daily actions and priorities? ([51:47])
4. Reflect on a promise from God that you find difficult to trust. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in His promises? ([53:26])
5. Identify a specific sin, such as selfish ambition or covetousness, that you need to repent of. What practical steps can you take to align your heart and behavior with God's will? ([56:22])
6. How can you actively prepare your heart for revival? What specific actions can you take to be ready for God's work in your life and in the church? ([55:24])
7. Consider the idols in your life that may be taking the place of God. What steps can you take to remove these idols and refocus your worship and affection on God alone? ([01:01:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Preparing Our Hearts to Hear God
We must be prepared to listen to God amidst the noise of our daily lives. This involves setting aside distractions and being open to His correction. Readiness is not just about waiting but actively preparing our hearts to receive His word. In our busy lives, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the constant influx of information and demands. However, God calls us to a place of stillness where we can hear His voice clearly. This readiness requires intentionality in creating space for God, whether through prayer, meditation, or reading Scripture. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive His guidance and correction, which is essential for our spiritual growth. [45:42]
Habakkuk 2:1 (ESV): "I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint."
Reflection: What specific distractions can you set aside today to create space for hearing God's voice more clearly?
Day 2: Obedience Before Understanding
Obedience often precedes understanding. We are called to act on God's instructions even when we don't fully grasp His plans. This immediate response is crucial for spiritual growth and aligns us with God's will. In our walk with God, there will be times when His instructions seem unclear or challenging. However, our faith is demonstrated through our willingness to obey without having all the answers. This kind of obedience requires trust in God's wisdom and timing, knowing that He sees the bigger picture. By stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to experiencing God's power and provision in ways we could never imagine. [48:49]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act, but you are hesitant because you don't fully understand His plan? How can you take a step of faith today?
Day 3: Living in Expectation of Christ's Return
We should live as if Christ could return at any moment. This mindset transforms our daily actions and priorities, ensuring that we are always prepared for His coming. It challenges us to live a life of holiness and readiness. When we live with the expectation of Christ's return, it changes how we approach our daily lives. Our priorities shift from temporary, worldly pursuits to eternal, kingdom-focused goals. This perspective encourages us to live with integrity, love, and purpose, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. By keeping our eyes on Christ's return, we are motivated to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to others. [51:47]
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."
Reflection: How would your daily actions and priorities change if you lived with the constant expectation of Christ's return? What is one practical step you can take today to align your life with this mindset?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Promises
Trusting God means resting from our efforts and relying on His strength. This trust is essential for experiencing true revival and renewal in our faith. It involves believing that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. In a world that values self-reliance and control, trusting in God's promises can be challenging. However, true peace and renewal come when we surrender our efforts and rest in His strength. God's promises are sure and steadfast, and He is faithful to fulfill them. By trusting in His timing and provision, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and confidence in our walk with Him. [53:26]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God's promises? How can you surrender this area to Him and rest in His strength today?
Day 5: Repentance from Specific Sins
True revival requires repentance from sins like selfish ambition, covetousness, exploitation, and idolatry. These sins can subtly infiltrate our lives and hinder our relationship with God. Genuine repentance involves a change of heart and behavior, aligning us with God's will. Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for our sins; it involves a complete turnaround in our thoughts and actions. By identifying and repenting of specific sins, we open the door for God's transformative work in our lives. This process requires humility and a willingness to be honest with ourselves and God. As we repent, we experience the freedom and renewal that comes from aligning our lives with God's will. [56:22]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: What specific sin is God calling you to repent of today? How can you take a step towards genuine repentance and align your heart and behavior with God's will?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There's no small works in the kingdom of God. It doesn't matter what you're doing or where you're serving. God is at work through you and it's a great, great work." [33:17] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There's times when it is advisable to wait on the Lord, but even waiting on the Lord is not laziness. It's not abandoning. Abandoning effort." [37:43] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are to not just be hearers and hear the information. We are to engage. We are to do what God has called us to do. The Bible is clear about this. James chapter one, don't just be hearers of the word, be doers also." [42:58] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are you ready to give your yes to God? Are you ready to respond whatever God says? If God says you need to go to this person and make things right. You need to go and apologize. You need to renounce this sin. You need to walk away from that activity." [50:10] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Revival is not something that starts with our culture. Revival starts with God's people. It may spread and affect our culture but it starts with us. So it's easy for us to sit back and take shots at everybody else. So let's get ready and let's pray." [55:24] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Habakkuk has asked God in chapter 1 two primary questions. God, there are things you're not doing that I don't understand why you're not doing. And then when God says what he's doing, Habakkuk says, I don't understand what you're doing." [37:43] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I believe with all of my heart that much of our need for revival and renewal in these days, it's not always because of... egregious sins. It's not always because we have fallen. It's not the adultery of David or the drunkenness of Noah or the denial of Peter. It is very often the struggle of our faith that life just seems to pull us away from God." [38:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is using this exchange with Habakkuk to teach Habakkuk about himself, to reveal truth about himself. It's with the intent of reviving and developing the prophet's faith. In chapter 1. Habakkuk's faith is troubled. He doesn't understand what's going on. He doesn't grasp what's going on. But in chapter 2, Habakkuk's faith is taught." [39:44] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are to be ready to answer and to respond. We are to be ready to obey. You see, many people will say, I won't revival, but they're not really ready to hear what God says. I want to be ready to answer what God will correct them about. The word of God is profitable for reproof and for correction, for instruction in righteousness." [48:49] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "An idol is anything. It may be a bad thing, it may be a good thing, but it is anything that takes the affection and the time and the effort and the love that goes to God alone, and I place it on that idol. It may be my family that gets out of place. I put them in priority above God. It may be friends. It may be achievement. It may be blessings from God, but we take that." [01:01:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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