When You Feel Like Giving Up (Hab 3:1-19)

Rainier Valley Church - Seattle

Announcements from Sunday, November 20th 2022

Bible Reading Plan - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. as we read through the challenging book of Judges together and continue enjoying a Psalm each day. If you haven't joined us yet, jump into the same page Bible reading challenge and read the scriptures with us each day. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack.

Joy’s Birthday Party - Join us at Rainier Valley Church after our worship service on Sunday, December 11 for a very special birthday party for @Joy Mipalar. The Birthday Party will have an English Tea Party Theme and ladies are encourage to bring a fancy hat if they would like. Joy will be provided some incredible food. Please plan to celebrate Joy's birthday with us on Sunday, December 11th.

Christmas in the Book of Revelation - Join us this Advent season, beginning on Sunday, November 27th as we light the Advent candles, reflect on Jesus' birth and study how Christmas is fulfilled in the book of Revelation.

Christmas Eve Saturday - Please plan to invite friends and family to join us for a special Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Saturday, December 24th at 4pm.

Christmas Day Service - Pastor @Ken Sabalza is planning a special Christmas Day worship service for Sunday, November 25th at 4pm. If you're in town, please plan to join us to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the first and greatest of all Christmas gifts ever given.

When God Doesn't - The Book of Habakkuk #4 "When You Feel Like Giving Up" Habakkuk 3:1-19

Topic(s): Holy Discontentment, Wrath/Mercy, Remembering, Confidence, Rejoicing, Strength, Overcoming

Big Idea of the Message: Even among suffering and loss, Habakkuk has learned that he can trust God, and with that trust comes great joy—not in circumstances but in God himself!

Application Point: As followers of Jesus, we can express authentic worship of God in seasons of darkness, pain, and difficulties by remembering, rejoicing, and thanksgiving!

Discussion Questions: As we approach Thanksgiving, what is one thing that you are thankful for? If you were at the Friendsgiving Potluck Dinner at Church, what were some of the highlights of that time for you? As we finish up our series in Habakkuk, what is one thing that stood out to you from either this week’s message or the series? "When You Feel Like Giving Up" remember that we have spiritual tools that we can use in the midst of injustice and suffering such as (1) A Holy Discontentment (Hab 3:1-2), (2) A Biblical Confidence (Hab 3:3-15), and a Remarkable Rejoicing (Hab 3:16-19)

A Holy Discontentment (Hab 3:1-2) Sometimes God allows us to see injustice and suffering in the world to create in us a holy discontentment. God often uses people to accomplish his holy will. What Holy Discontentment has the Lord given you? (Something you're passionate about, something you can stand, something you have to do something about!) Habakkuk prayers for Revival, Revelation and Remembrance. What is the significance of each of these prayers? Habakkuk asks God to remember mercy in the midst of his wrath. How does this request show the character of God and speak to the Gospel itself? Application - What Holy Discontentment has God put on your heart and what are some steps you can take this week?

A Biblical Confidence (Hab 3:3-15) When Habakkuk can't see what God is doing, he goes back to what God has done. Habakkuk remembers and praises God for his powerful works throughout the Old Testament. What passages and truths about God's character and work bring you comfort, encouragement, and boldness to live out your Christian discipleship when things get difficult? How are you being strengthened through regular Bible Reading? Habakkuk references the Exodus, the giving of the law, the wilderness journey, and many other important moments in Biblical history. How does knowing our bibles give us confidence in God? Application - Join RVC in our OT Bible Reading Plan (PDF attached below) Regularly take a moment in group discussion to share what you're learning from God's word as the whole church reads the scriptures together.

A Remarkable Rejoicing (Hab 3:16-19) This passage of Habakkuk is so important that Pastor @Kyle Van Tine recommend that you print it out, put it in a visible area (mirror, refrigerator, phone, etc) and memorize these important truths. Habakkuk makes a defiant declaration of joy despite his circumstances. What were the horrific circumstances outlined in his poem? What were these circumstances so significant to Habakkuk? Habakkuk says "Yet, I will rejoice" despite the hardships. What hardships are you going through that you must say "Yet, I will rejoice" even in the midst of the suffering, loss, or uncertainty? 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 instructs us to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” How can we apply these principles to our everyday lives? Application - How can we, like Habakkuk, choose to rejoice in who God is, despite our circumstances? How can we pray for one another this week?

Video from yesterday's worship service - https://youtu.be/pQySOhrZ4co