1. The Progress of a Prophet from Protest to Praise
Habakkuk
The Progress of a Prophet
from
Protest to Praise

2. Background to Habakkuk
His message is dated c. 606 B.C.
He questions the Lord about sinful Judah and the Lord’s plan to use Babylon; he is “the Job” of the minor prophets

3. Background to Habakkuk
Question #1: Why do you allow the wickedness of Judah to go unchecked (1:2-4)
Answer #1: I will punish Judah’s wickedness with the nation of Babylon (1:5-11)

4. Background to Habakkuk
Question #2: How can you use Babylon who is more wicked than Judah (1:12-17)
Answer #2: I will punish wicked Babylon as well (2:4-19)

5. Background to Habakkuk
How did Habakkuk get from perplexity and protest in 1:2, to praise and persuasion in 3:19?
Habakkuk means “embrace”; let us see the progress he took to “embrace” his Lord

6. The Progress of a Prophet
First, he learned to talk less and listen more (2:1-2; Jas. 1:19)
Second, he learned to wait for God’s plan to unfold (2:3; 3:16; Psa. 27:14)

7. The Progress of a Prophet
Third, he learned to humbly trust in God as a way of life (2:4; Gal. 2:20)
Fourth, he learned to be reverent and submissive to the Lord (2:14, 20; Zech. 2:13; Psa. 5:7; 11:4)

8. The Progress of a Prophet
Fifth, he learned to pray and praise the Lord for his mercy and salvation (3:1-16; Jas. 5:13)
Sixth, he learned to find joy and strength in the Lord in difficult times (3:17-19; Rom. 8:35-39)