Joy In Tribulation

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-22-2022

Habakkuk 3:1-19

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  In verse one of the “prayer of Habakkuk,” we see that it was a hard time for both Israel and God’s man.  It was a time of affliction and chastening of God’s Israel and not a pleasant time.  Because of the continued rebellion of Israel, God brought the Chaldeans to spoil the people and the land.

 

B.  In our text, the Holy Ghost bursts our perception of what joy is all about.  Times were hard and certainly not happy for Habakkuk, but there was in his heart a settled peace of God that passeth all understanding.  There is a vast difference between happiness and joy.  His unhappiness with his situation did not dictate the joy in his heart!

 

C.  The Christian life should be one of joy instead of fear and drudgery.  Many erroneously equate joy with happiness.  Happiness is something that comes and goes.  I believe that God wants the child of God happy, but life is often hard and hard to understand. 

 

1.  Happiness is like a bubbling stream.  It is greatly affected by each little bump or rock in the bed over which the water flows.  This world causes sorrow and people try to find happiness in the abundance of their possessions.

 

Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

 

2.  Joy is like the depths of the ocean.  Calm even when the surface is greatly disturbed by the storm.  Christian joy is a result of being filled with the Holy Ghost and has nothing to do with things.

 

Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

 

D.  First, let me say that Joy is a choice that we make.  Not one of us (including this pastor) enjoys sickness, hardship, trials, etc. but we often have no choice but to endure these things.  I have often said that, when these times come: and they will, we can come out bitter or better.

 

E.  I want to look at four examples of joy.

 

1.  THE FATHER’S JOY – The death of His Son! 

 

Isaiah 53:10-12  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

 

WHY JOY? 

 

a.  It was not the circumstances that brought God the Father joy!  This was the brutal death of His only begotten Son!

 

2 Peter 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

b.  It was because of His great love for sinful man!  I will never understand a love like this:  the love of God that sacrificed His only begotten Son for sinners like you and me!  Oh, what love!

 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

2.  THE SAVIOUR’S JOY – The sacrifice that He made!

 

Hebrews 12:1-2  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

 

WHY JOY? 

 

a.  It was not the circumstances that brought God the Son joy! 

 

1)  He was facing the cruel cross.

 

2)  He who knew no sin would become sin for us!

 

b.  It was because of His great love for you and me!  It was because of His great love for the Church, His Bride!  He was not looking forward to Calvary; He was looking beyond Calvary!

 

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

Romans 5:6-8  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

3.  THE SINNER’S JOY – The cross of Calvary!

 

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

 

WHY JOY! 

 

a.  It is not the circumstances of Christ’s death that brings the sinner joy.  I am sorry that He had to take my shame and disgrace.  I am sorry that my sin nailed Him to Calvary!  I am glad but I am sad.

 

b.  What brings the sinner Joy is the blessed result of Calvary!  Because of his great load of sin that is gone.  Because his sin’s penalty was paid at Calvary!  Because his life was changed completely at Calvary!

 

4.  THE SAINT’S JOY – The soon appearing of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

 

1 Peter 1:8-9  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

 

Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

WHY JOY? 

 

          a.  It is not the circumstances of life that brings the saint joy.

 

                    Job 14:1  Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

 

1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

b.  What brings the saint joy is the great longing to see his face!  It is his great longing for home!  It is his great longing to spend an eternity with the One who loved us and gave Himself for us!  It is his great longing to see the One who died for him.  Face to face with Christ for "we shall see Him as He is!"  Oh that will be glory for me!

 

Conclusion:  As a sinner, you will never find joy in the things of this world.  The only joy and peace that you will find will be in Christ and His great salvation.  As a saint, you will never find joy in the things of this world either.  It is not the world that I love.  How I hate it and how it affects me!  You and I that are saved will only find joy and peace in serving the Lord.  Our hearts should cry, “Even so come, Lord Jesus!”

The Christian’s Joy

Temple Baptist Church - 3-19-2017

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Introduction: 

A.  Joy and happiness are two entirely different things.  Happiness is based upon happenings while joy is often despite circumstances.  Let me give you some Biblical examples.

1.  God the Father’s joy was found in the sacrifice of His only begotten Son! Isaiah 53:10-11  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.  (11)  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  (I am sure that God was not happy watching sinners beat and crucify His Son.  The Father’s joy was found in His love for sinners like you and me!  I will never fully understand that joy but I take joy in it.)

2.  God the Son’s joy was found in the shame and reproach of the cross!  Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher ofour faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  (I am sure that Jesus was not happy with the shame and reproach that He endured.  I am sure that He was not happy that He became sin for us.  His joy was found in His love for the Church that He purchased.  I will never fully understand that joy but I do take joy in His Church.)

3.  The Sinner’s joy is found in the finished work of Calvary!  Galatians 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  (Because of the great load of sin that he bore.  I do not relish the thought that my Lord had to suffer so because of my wickedness but I am sure glad that He did.)

4.  The Saint’s joy is found in the soon appearing of the Lord, our Saviour!  Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (It does not make me happy that sinners will perish but it is with Great joy that I will be with Him for all of eternity.)

B.  Too many Christians live lives or gloom and sorrow.  They recite Murphy’s Law more than they quote the Bible.  When you ask, they can give you a list of everything bad that has ever happened to them.  Many times, you do not even have to ask!

C.  Yes, sometimes the provision will be slim.  The crops will fail and there will be no “herd I the stalls!”  Joy should not depend upon what we have physically, but in what we have spiritually.

D.  I want to look at several things found in these verses that only the child of God can fully understand.

1.  THE PARADOX OF THE SAINT’S JOY – Habakkuk 3:17-18  “although…yet”

            a.  A Joy that does not depend upon our circumstances.

            b.  A Joy that does not depend upon our surroundings.

            c.  A Joy that does not waver because He does not waver.

            d.  A Joy that does not change because He does not change.

            e.  A Joy despite life’s ups and downs!

f.  A Joy the world does not understand and, unfortunately, many of God’s children do not seem to understand.

2.  THE PROBLEM OF THE SAINT’S JOY – Habakkuk 38  “rejoice in the Lord”

a.  Too many time, God’s children try to find their joy in the things of this world - Mark 8:34-35 And when he had called the peopleunto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

b.  We are in Jesus Christ, therefore, we should find our life in Him - Colossians 3:3-4  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

3.  THE PERSON OF THE SAINT’S JOY  - Habakkuk 3:18  “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord”

a.  The Bible says, in 1 Peter 1:8, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”

                        1)  Joy in someone we have never seen.

                        2)  Joy based on our faith in God’s Word.

            b.  The darling Son of God!

            c.  Our wonderful Saviour!

            d.  Our soon coming Lord and King!

            e.  Our beloved Bridegroom!

            f.  The Lover of my Soul!!!

            g.  Life was miserable until I met Him and I am forever changed!

4.  THE PLACE OF THE SAINT’S JOY – “my SALVATION”

a.  The Joy of being saved and knowing it! - Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

b.  The Joy of Christian fellowship! - 1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.  (What a thrill to know and love God’s people!)

c.  The Joy of faith! - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  (Believing that God can do the impossible!)

d.  The Joy of soul winning! - Psalms 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

e.  The Joy of faithfulness! - Acts 20:22-24  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23  Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.  (Many never know this joy because of their unfaithfulness!)

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

f.  The Joy of hearing His Voice! - Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Revelation 1:12a  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me.  (He walks with me and talks with me.  He tells me I am His own!)

g.  The Joy of His presence! - Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Daniel 3:24-25 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and thatall the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

h.  The Joy of His appearing! - Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

i.  The Joy of seeing His face! - Job 33:26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

Revival In The Midst Of These Years

Temple Baptist Church - 12-16-2012

 

Habakkuk 3:2

 

Introduction:

A. Bro. Tom Holbrooks will be with us tonight through Wednesday for the 26^th consecutive year.

1. He held the first revival at Temple when my family came in 1987 and they have been good years. Tommy has been a good friend and has stayed with the faith and my family.

2. He calls me on a regular basis to check on us and has been there not only for us but with us through these hard days. He also has not changed in his position or preaching. I like that!

B. But my thoughts for this morning went back to the vast difference since his first meeting with us until now. As we consider our text for this morning, Habakkuk prophesied in one of the many dark periods of Israel’s history. The result of Israel’s disobedience to God was the cruelty and wickedness of their oppressors. Such was the background for the Book of Habakkuk. We see this same wickedness and cruelty in our day that results in such travesties as just happened in a public grade school in Ct.

1. Yes, we are getting a lot older but, thank the Lord, a lot closer to heaven than we were in those days. While these natural changes have affected us all, it is the changes surrounding us that I want to concentrate upon this morning.

2. We live in a different world today than we lived in 26 years ago. The world and the United States was a lot simpler and secure than in these days of complexity and fear. Since the turn of this century, we have seen drastic changes for the worse all around us.

C. These changes have been both rapid and devastating! In the past few years, we have seen a rapid decline in our America!

1. Moral Decline - Sexual Impurity with social acceptance; Alcohol and Drug Usage with legalization; Murder (Schools and Malls) with no discrimination.

2. Social Decline - Secular Humanism where man is no longer accountable to either God or the laws of the land; Progressive Socialism that has destroyed both the moral and financial foundation that America was built upon. Years ago, the said, “The Reds are coming!” Today, they are here as the Marxists now control in many areas of our blessed county.

3. World Decline - National Chaos in the Middle East as radical Islam advances and Israel is more isolated than ever before; Financial Failure in Europe and the USA as more people are fed that will not work and those who are willing to work are being bled!

4. Ecclesiastical Decline - Fallen Spiritual Leaders and Failing Churches; Fallen Denominations are the rule of our day as they have apostatized

5. Spiritual Decline - Our Churches Are Dead And Formal or have become contemporary and worldly; Many Of Our Families Are Defiled And Troubled which leads to unfaithfulness and failure.

D. Now, was not a real blessing?

1. Unfortunately, these changes have changed our way of life. They have changed our security and future hopes.

2. These changes have evolved because our circumstances and surroundings have changed our perspective!

3. Habakkuk saw the Chaldeans in all of their wickedness and considered Israel a nation to be scourged by them. They are a bitter and hasty nation, fierce, cruel, and bearing down all before them and overcomeing all that opposed them.

4. You see, most men presume on continued prosperity, or that calamities will not come in their days. Habakkuk pleads for “revival in the midst of the years!”

5. Our Only Hope for survival is Revival! Revival is necessary but often misunderstood.

E. Survival through revival has some necessities:

1. There must be a dedication of our person – when thinking about revival, we often think of corporate revival. The revival of a nation or the revival of a church but revival is an individual condition. If the nation or the church never experiences revival, you can have it and your revival will affect the lives of others.

2. There must be a rediscovery of the Bible – as fundamental Baptists, we believe every word of it! It is God’s Word and, therefore profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. We believe the doctrines of this blessed old Book without compromise but we must rediscover its value as individuals. We can believe, be encouraged in it, live by it and prosper spiritually, and find our hope in its prophecies and surety.

3. There must be a distress over sinfulness – most of us realize that we are sinful at best but, if not careful, we almost glory in the fact. Yes, God loves us but God still hates sin! Our sin cost God the life of His Son! Sin is not to be a casual part of our lives and needs to be confessed and forsaken as a vital part of our day. Ignoring it will not make it go away and playing with it is expensive.

4. There must be a destruction of idols – not just a realization of sinfulness and lack of spiritual priority but a turning from such. Few are distressed over sin as “living” has become our priority and God and His church have become secondary. Idols that are metal and idols that are mental turn our hearts and lives from the One WHO IS OUR LIFE!

5. There will be followed by a life that is distinctive – God gives revival in the face of repentance and change. The America and the world are on their way down as the coming of our Lord approaches but our lives should be distinctly different from the norm. We are saved; we are God’s people; we are the church; we are vastly different; we are the only Bible that this world will read; we are epistles of God written in our hearts and reflected in our lives; and we are one step from heaven and the Judgment Seat of Christ!

The Cities of Refuge: Golan

Temple Baptist Church - 8-7-2011

Joshua 20:1-9; Habakkuk 3:17-19

Introduction: Things We Have In Christ

A. We Studied Kedesh – Holiness

B. We Studied Shechem – Shoulder

C. We Studied Hebron – Fellowship

D. We Studied Bezer – Fortress

E. We Studied Ramoth – Heights

F. This Morning We Will Study Golan – “rejoicing”

THE LOST FIND THEIR HAPPINESS IN WORLDLY THINGS:

John 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

THE SAVED FIND THEIR HAPPINESS IN HEAVENLY THINGS

Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF A CHILD OF GOD LOSING THEIR JOY - John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

a. Loss of Joy Through Sinfulness - Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

b. Loss of Joy Through Sorrow - 1 Peter 1:5-6 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

SOME THINGS THE SAVED REJOICE IN:

1. The Saved Rejoice In Their Saviour

a. The Joy Of His Person - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

b. The Joy Of His Presence - Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

c. The Joy Of His Protection - Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

d. The Joy Of His Provision - Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

2. The Saved Rejoice In Their Salvation

a. It Is A Purposed Rejoicing - Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

b. It Is A Productive Rejoicing - Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

1) The Reality of Our Salvation Makes Us Rejoice - Psalms 21:1 The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

2) The Restoration of Fellowship Makes Us Rejoice - Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

3. The Saved Rejoice In Their Scripture

Nehemiah 8:12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

4. The Saved Rejoice In Their Service

a. The Price of Service - Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

b. The Prize of Service - Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

5. The Saved Rejoice In Their Suffering

a. We Are Persecuted For Christ - Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

b. We Are Partakers With Christ - 1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

6. The Saved Rejoice In Their Security

a. It Is An Eternal Joy - John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

b. It Is An Exceeding Joy - Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

7. The Saved Rejoice In Their Sanctuary

Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Praise of Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Psalms 43:4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.