Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: Nov. 22, 2009
Sermon Title: Keep on Believing
Sermon Text: Hab. 3:17-19; Dan. 3:17-18; Job 13:15; Matt. 16:21
Small Group Text: Habakkuk 3:1-19
Introduction
How often do you intentionally watch a sunrise? Why would someone wake up early to watch a sunrise? There’s a saying, “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” What does this mean and has it ever been true in your life? It’s also been said, “faith is a bird that feels dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark.” This seems to be Habakkuk’s experience as we finish out this Old Testament book. His faith, that dawn will eventually break for Gods people, begins to take shape as he: 1) Pours out his request to God. 2) Praises God’s majesty and power. 3) Promises to wait patiently – anticipating the Lord’s deliverance.
Discussion
1. Read Hab. 3:1-2. Habakkuk’s first step to anticipating God’s deliverance is to pour out his request to God (by the way, shigionoth is probably a literary or musical term…we’re not really sure.) What is Habakkuk’s request of God? (That God would act mightily on Israel’s behalf as he had in the past.) He also mentions God’s mighty deeds: To what “deeds” is he referring? (His divine intervention on behalf of His people and His marvelous works in creation.) What is he thinking when he asks the Lord to “renew them in our day?” (Habakkuk wants to see the mighty hand of God delivering his people in his own day.)
2. Habakkuk prays for God to have mercy on His people. What is mercy? (Mercy is withholding or reducing deserved punishment.) 3. Now read Hab. 3:3-15. Habakkuk’s next step to anticipating God’s deliverance is to look back at His faithfulness and praise His majesty and power. To what historical events do the poetic allusions refer in verses 3-7? What about verses 8-10? (Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, their crossing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, and the fear other nations had of “the God of Israel.” Habakkuk also seems to be referring to natural cataclysmic events to illustrate the infinite power of God.)
4. How does reciting God’s past deeds help us anticipate God’s marvelous deliverance “in our day?” (We worship and trust in an unchaging and powerful God: See Hebrews 13:6-8.)
5. What images from history or nature remind you of God’s majesty and power? 6. Read Hab. 3:16-19. Habakkuk’s final step to anticipating God’s deliverance is to make a promise to wait patiently on the Lord. Why do you think his heart is racing (v. 16)? (Though confident in the ultimate outcome, he still fears the impending judgment. Or, this is a natural reaction to such a profound encounter with God.)
7. In verses 18, what is the center of Habakkuk’s attention that causes him to rejoice? Why would this focus bring such joy? (His focus is on the Lord and he rejoices in knowing that the Lord is the God of his salvation.)
8. What emotional and spiritual change occurs after Habakkuk moves his attention from the earth-bound circumstances to the God of his salvation (v. 19)? (He receives strength from the Lord and he feels empowered.)
Application
1. Read verses 3:17-18. What in your life feels barren or unproductive. What has been your response to the Lord? 2. Often times when facing dark and difficult circumstances, words fail us. Sometimes, we can find just the right words in the book of Psalms. Try picking a Psalm that praises God’s majesty and power (e.g., Psa. 8 or Psa. 19 or Psa. 34.) Read and perhaps memorize that Psalm as you pray through your dark times. The bible encourages us to “hide God’s word in our heart”. Psalm 119:11 3. Have a group member pick one of the Psalms listed above and read it as a closing prayer for your group.
Sermon-Based Curriculum