“How To Live By Faith”
Habakkuk 2:4
Sermon Series: “Where Is God?”
Introduction: Faith can be difficult to define in a practical way. Faith can be even harder to live by. I said last week that Habakkuk 2:4 is one of the most important verses in the Bible because of how it is used in the New Testament, but I do not think I gave it enough attention so I am going to address it in more detail in this message. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Therefore, if it is impossible to please God without faith, it is imperative that we know how to live by faith so let’s try to understand that together.
1. What does it mean to live by faith?
A. Faith is taking God at His Word and acting on it.
There are many examples of this in Scripture, but Habakkuk is one of the best. In chapter 1 the Lord told Habakkuk what he was going to do through the Babylonians. God told him that the vision is for an appointed time, but it will definitely speak in its time so wait for it (2:2-3). Habakkuk listened to God, trusted and feared the Lord, and made an incredible confession of faith where he affirmed God as his joy and strength (3:16-19). In other words, he took God at His Word and acted on it. That is faith.
*God’s Word > My thoughts/beliefs *God’s Word > My feelings
*God’s Word > Physical Senses *God’s Word > Experiences
B. Faith is living in humble dependence upon God instead of prideful independence (2:4). The proud do not trust God (James 4:6, Isaiah 57:15, Proverbs 16:5, 18-19) but rely on themselves and want their own way. This is what produced the
original sin of Adam and Eve and is the root of all our sin. On the other hand, the person who is trusting God humbles herself to rely on God and do things God’s way. We are only made right by faith because God gets the credit and glory that way. If it were any other way, we would get glory and that would increase our pride (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
2. How do we live by faith?
A. Salvation-We are saved through trusting Jesus and
what He has done for us (Romans 1:16-17, Galatians 3:6-14).
B. Life-As we have received Jesus by faith, we are then to live by faith (Colossians 2:6). Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This means that we are to daily live in dependence upon Jesus, who is living in and through us. Dependence means both trust and obedience, which is the practical expression of faith.
C. Trials-We rely on God and worship Him regardless of our circumstances. Habakkuk believed that God was in control, worshipped Him, and found His strength in Him even during these terrible circumstances. He basically confessed that He was trusting God even if everything fell apart. That is real faith! Faith continues to take God at His Word even when circumstances are bad. Do we see our circumstances through God or God through our circumstances?
Conclusion: Is your faith in Jesus Christ? Are you walking by faith on a daily basis? Are you trusting God even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
