Habakkuk 2:1
Chuck Smith teaches that true victory in life comes from trusting in God's faithfulness and timing, even when we don't understand His ways.
Chuck Smith addresses the perplexing problems faced by believers when evil seems to triumph and justice appears absent. He emphasizes that God's timing and ways are often beyond our understanding, urging us to wait patiently for His answers. In the 'place of victory,' believers are encouraged to listen for God's voice and trust in His appointed time, even when circumstances seem dire. The sermon concludes with the reminder that true victory comes through faith, believing in what we cannot see or understand.
Text
"THE PLACE OF VICTORY"
I. THE PERPLEXING PROBLEM.
A. It seemed as though everything was going wrong.
1. Evil was triumphing over good.
2. The judicial system had broken down.
a. The courts became a mockery.
b. The guilty were not being punished.
1. They were being released to continue
their crimes.
Thus:
3. They lost all respect for the law.
a. Violence increased.
b. Strife and contention were everywhere.
B. It seemed as though God was doing nothing about it.
1. Thought he prayed the situation did not change.
a. As though God did not hear his prayer.
b. As though God would not answer his prayer.
2. Why would the Lord show him these things.
a. It was just frustrating.
II. GOD'S ANSWER TO THE FRUSTRATED PROPHET.
A. I am working.
1. Because God's judgment is not always swift.
a. The wicked think:
1. That God does not see.
2. That God does not care.
3. They are actually getting by with it.
b. The righteous think:
1. Their prayers are going unheeded.
2. That it really doesn't pay to live
right.
B. If I told you, you wouldn't believe.
1. He would not understand.
2. When the answer started to come it would only confuse
him more.
3. We don't always understand the ways of God.
a. The person who insists on understanding
everything is in trouble.
b. "My ways are not your ways..."
III. THE PLACE OF VICTORY.
A. I will go in the tower and watch and listen.
1. Quit trying to figure it out and just wait for God to
show me.
B. There, God spoke to Him.
1. We get so involved we become deaf to his voice.
2. Our problems get so big we lose sight of God.
C. God's message to Him.
1. "I have an appointed time."
a. That's the problem - his timing is not in
agreement with mine.
2. "Though it tarry, wait for it."
a. Don't give up.
3. The soul that is proud is not righteous.
a. If you think you can do anything apart form Him
you are mistaken.
4. The just shall live by His faith.
a. Believing what I can't understand.
b. Believing what I can't see.
c. This is the only place of true rest in this
world of turmoil.
IV. THE VICTORY OF FAITH. 3:17, 18.
Sermon Outline
- The Perplexing Problem points: - Evil was triumphing over good - The judicial system had broken down
- God's Answer to the Frustrated Prophet points: - God's judgment is not always swift - We don't always understand the ways of God
- The Place of Victory points: - Quit trying to figure it out and just wait for God to show me - 'God''s message to Him: ''I have an appointed time'''
- The Victory of Faith points: - Believe what I can't understand - Believe what I can't see
Key Quotes
“I am working.” — Chuck Smith
“My ways are not your ways...” — Chuck Smith
“Though it tarry, wait for it.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must learn to trust in God's faithfulness, even when we don't understand His ways.
- Waiting patiently for God's appointed time is essential for spiritual growth and victory.
- Humility and faith are essential for living a life of rest and peace in a world of turmoil.