Objective: To see God’s goodness in the past, leave behind any idols we may be putting our faith in and trust God’s goodness even when circumstances seem hopeless.
When Habakkuk questioned God about evil and injustice this was God’s response:
Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked; but the righteous will live by their faith. Hab 2:4 (NLT)
- What did it mean for Habakkuk and his people to “live by faith?”
- Describe a time in your life when the circumstances seemed hopeless but you “lived by faith.”
- How did you see God’s goodness revealed through these circumstances?
- How did it affect your relationship with God? Your relationship with others?
God went on to say:
What have you gained by worshiping all your man-made idols? How foolish to trust in something made by your own hands! What fools you are to believe such lies! How terrible it will be for you who beg lifeless wooden idols to save you. You ask speechless stone images to tell you what to do. Can an idol speak for God? They may be overlaid with gold and silver, but they are lifeless inside.
But the LORD is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him."
Hab 2:18-20 (NLT)
i•dol: an image or other material object representing a deity other than God; a false conception or notion; fallacy.
• Many Jews were trusting idols to rescue them. What kind of ”idols” do many people look to for their rescue today?
• Describe areas in your life where you are temped to trust in “idols” rather than God?
• How will you “live by faith” in those areas of your life? How can your group help you?
Pray in your own words and ask God for the following:
- Eyes to see His goodness in every area of your life
- Wisdom to identify and reject any “idols” you may be putting your trust in today
• Strength to “live by faith” and trust Him even when things look hopeless.
For Further Study
Deuteronomy 16:21-17:20
What was Israel commanded not to set up? (16:21-22) What kind of sacrifice is detestable to the Lord? (17:1) What was to be done if someone was suspected of worshiping other gods? (17:2-4) How was the punishment for idol worship to be handled? (17:5) What implications do these verses have for our attitude toward justice and fairness?
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Why did Paul refer to Israel's history? (10:1) How do the Israelites serve as examples to us? (10:1-6) Why did God record the experiences of the Israelites? (10:6, 11) Why is it important that all the temptations Christians face are common to everyone? (10:13) How is God faithful? (10:13) What have you learned about God from this history of Israel? What have you learned about yourself from this history of Israel?
g-ram
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