Bible Discovery [30]

Date: February 20, 2005
Passage: Habakkuk 1:1-11, 3:16-19
Message: The Passive/Active God
Theme Bible Discovery [30] – Majoring on Minors

We all have questions.
One of the first things we learn to do when we can talk is ask questions.
Exercise: Have two people sit opposite each other and have a conversation. The only rule is that they are not allowed to ask each other ANY questions.
Discuss.

1. Read Habakkuk 1 Habakkuk is left wondering whether the cure is worse than the illness. He is left wondering whether it is better after all for God to remain passive than active. He is left wondering what are the theological implications of God using evil to discipline his people. Discuss how faith grapples with this.

2. We live in an information age. We are a generation that is more likely to want to “understand” than to “trust”. If faith has nothing to fear from thinking, how are we to live with the tension this sometimes brings? [ See also Romans 12:1-2; 1 peter 1:13; Hebrews 4:2]

3. We live our lives in a perpetual state of “in between”. We find ourselves in between what we know and what we experience. In between what we want to be and what we are. In between the promise of abundant life in Christ and knowing how and where to find it. What challenge does this bring to faith?

4. Read Habakkuk 2:1 Habakkuk isn’t just asking God questions out of petulance. He is ready to wait as long as it takes to hear from God. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is hang on by your spiritual fingernails. Share a time when you just hung on. What did God reveal to you in all of this?

5. Read Habakkuk 3:16-19 This prayer in Habakkuk 3 is prayed in a certain style. It is a shigionoth = to stagger Habakkuk is learning to worship God in the midst of the staggers. He is grappling with the big question “Is God worth more to me than anything?” True worship comes only from hearts that will ask that question and give an honest answer. Discuss.

6. Worship today can often avoid the hard issue of Habakkuk 3:16-19. We can limit worship to the smooth, controlled surrounds of Sunday morning Church….the big band and the electric atmosphere of music induced worship. Discuss