This week, we are going to consider what I believe to be the greatest faith statement in the Bible. It is found in Habakkuk 3:11-19.

Yesterday, we saw some very important things about faith from Hebrews 11:1 and 11:6.

1. FAITH IS FUTURISTIC – “what we hope for”

2. FAITH IS CONFIDENT –  “sure,” “hope,” “certain”

3. FAITH IS FOCUSED ON THE UNSEEN – “what we do not see”

4. The pleasure of God toward us is in our faith

Today, we are going to consider the background of this amazing faith statement.

BACKGROUND:

Habakkuk lived in a day in which he suffered as he witnessed the captivity of his people under the control of the Babylonians. 

He had always viewed the blessings of God as reflected by a man’s possessions; the more you had, the more blessed you are. And now, as he looked around him, he could find nothing that said God existed or even cared.

He was left with a final conclusion that if he was going to live in a way that pleased God, he would have to trust Him even though he couldn’t see Him. 

Perhaps, you are familiar with these two verses:

Romans 1:17 (NIV) “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” 

Galatians 3:11 (NIV) “Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” 

These are direct quotes for Habakkuk 2:4, “but the righteous will live by FAITH” 

Paul tells us, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

You can’t be righteous and live by sight.

As much as we think we would like to live by sight, I’m not sure it would be best for us. Would you want to know today that you are going to be ran over by a train tomorrow? This day would be ruined with the distress of what you know is coming.

If you knew today that tomorrow you were going to inherit a million dollars, this day would be wasted thinking about what good thing that is coming tomorrow. 

With the understanding that in order to be right with God we must live by faith, Habakkuk then wrote what many have come to view as the greatest faith statement in all the Word of God.

Habakkuk 3:17-19  

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, 

though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, 

though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,  

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 

19  The Sovereign LORD is my strength; 

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, 

He enables me to go on the heights. 

For the director of music. On my stringed instruments

We will explore this passage in detail tomorrow.