A. WHAT I WANT YOU TO LEARN!
1. Understand the difference between a biblical dream and a passing fancy or fleshly desire.
2. Examine your past dreams to find the dream God has for you.
3. Write down a concise dream statement for your life.
B. INTRODUCTION
1. Dictionary definition: “To conceive or imagine, i.e., to have deep aspirations or a cherished desire.”
2. Child’s definition: What do you want to be when you grow up?
3. The dream sermon: Martin Luther King Jr. Why was that dream so powerful?
• Influenced him personally.
• Based on human dignity.
• Tied to scripture. “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places plain, and the cracked places made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together” (Excerpts from Isaiah 40:3-4).
C. HABAKKUK 2:1-4: FINDING GOD’S VISION/DREAM
“I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make [it] plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold the proud. The soul of him who rebels against God’s plan for his life is not righteous, the just shall live by faith’” (Habakkuk 2:1-4, ELT).
1. Why was Habakkuk standing watch? To hear what God would say to him.
2. Why do we want to hear what God says? To get direction for life.
3. What are we to do with God’s directions? Obey.
4. Where is the best place for you to wait on God? _____________
5. What is the best time for you to wait on God? _______________
6. What spiritual discipline can help you hear and obey God’s voice?
a. Reading scripture.
b. Praying for wisdom and guidance.
c. Meditation on scripture.
d. Write what you learn and must do.
e. Make plans and do it.
7. Why is it important to write? “Write the vision” (v. 2).
a. Clears up misunderstanding.
b. Focuses the mind and will.
c. Motivates to correct action.
d. Limits what you are not to do.
e. Brings vision from contemplation to application.
8. Why did God say, “That he that runs may read it” (v. 2)?
a. Because thinking about the vision is not enough.
b. Because waiting is not acceptable.
c. Because the natural man procrastinates.
9. What four suggestions did Dr. Falwell have about a vision?
a. Dream dreams that are bigger than your life.
b. Spend time with God to get your vision.
c. Write down your lifelong vision.
d. Tell another person.
10. Which of the above four will be easiest to do? _______. Which of the four will be hardest? __________
11. Why did God tell Habakkuk to “wait for it” (v.3)?
a. A dream is for the future not here now.
b. We must learn patience.
c. Natural anticipation builds spiritual hope.
d. Dreams unfold over a period of time.
e. Most dreams are realized by your successive acts.
f. Your dream is tied to your initiative.
12. What do you think is the next successive phrase of your dream that will unfold? _______________________________________
13. What must you do to realize the next phrase of your dream? ____________________________________________________.
14. Let’s write down one aspect of our dream.
a. What will your dream do for your job? __________________ _________________________________________________.
b. What will your dream do for your family? ________________ __________________________________________________.
c. What will your dream do for your Christian service? _______ __________________________________________________.
d. What will your dream do for your church? _________________ __________________________________________________.
15. How does the Bible describe these who can’t wait? Unjust. “The soul which rebels against God’s plan for his life is not righteous” (v. 4, ELT).
16. What is the greatest quality you need to find and accomplish your dream? Trusting God and follow His directions. “The just shall live by faith” (v. 4).
17. What is living by faith? Following God from one event to another to accomplish His dream for your life.
18. What is your greatest need?
a. You don’t need a greater vision. (It may come from the flesh).
b. You need a greater God. How big is God in your vision/dream? The bigger your God, the more you can trust Him to do bigger things in your life.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com.
