Listen to this message to hear a character study revealing how spiritual maturity in Old Testament saints could be understood through their reactions to their existence in a decadent, wicked culture as well as through their dependence on God to secure them in all situations in the joy of His salvation. {This is the continuation of this topic from May30, 2004 A.D.)
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 1:1 – 7 (NASB)
Hab 1:1 The oracle which Habakkuk the prophet saw. Hab 1:2 How long, O LORD, will I call for help, And Thou wilt not hear? I cry out to Thee, “Violence!” Yet Thou dost not save. Hab 1:3 Why dost Thou make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. Hab 1:4 Therefore, the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore, justice comes out perverted. Hab 1:5 “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days– You would not believe if you were told. Hab 1:6 “For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That fierce and impetuous people Who march throughout the earth To seize dwelling places which are not theirs. Hab 1:7 “They are dreaded and feared. Their justice and authority originate with themselves.
New Testament Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:1 (KJV )
1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 1 John 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 1 John 2:5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 1 John 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
