Final Woe and Then…Good News

Final Woe and Then…Good News

Series: The Minor Prophets

Text: Zephaniah 3:1-20

Introduction: (What?)

In chapters 1 & 2 Zephaniah told of judgment on the whole earth. No one was exempt. Zephaniah now targets the center of worship…Jerusalem. In our day and location, Jerusalem is the church. We will not escape judgment. As a matter of fact, Peter tells us that judgment begins in the church 1 Pet 4:17 “For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?” J. Vernon McGee noted that this judgment is based on privilege. For example, the more access to the gospel one has had, the harsher the judgment if they do not respond in repentance and faith. But thankfully he doesn’t stop there. There is the promise of restoration (revival).

Examination: (Why?)

1. Woe to the Center of Worship

Zep 3:1-2 “Woe to the city that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressive city! She has not obeyed; she has not accepted discipline. She has not trusted in the Lord; she has not drawn near to her God.

The primary reason for the harsh judgment on Jerusalem (the place where God made His residence 2 Chronicles 6:6 “But I have chosen Jerusalem so that my name will be there, and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.”” ) was the fact that they rejected any instruction or discipline from Him. Their privilege of being in the very presence of God bore greater responsibility to respond to His instructions. The more light (opportunity) a person or a nation has, the greater their responsibility to respond to it. You will be held accountable for all the opportunities you have had to respond to God.

James, the half brother of Jesus and the Bishop of Jerusalem told us how to draw near to God in James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” God is already present, but He won’t draw near to you until you draw near to Him. Praying for revival does no good if you are not willing to take steps to draw near to God. What are those steps? 2 Chronicles 7:14 lists them. “and my people, who bear my name,

humble themselves,

pray and seek my face, and

turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

The people of Jerusalem refused to do this. Consequently God’s judgment fell on them.

2. Who is condemned?

Zep 3:3-8 The princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are wolves of the night, which leave nothing for the morning. Her prophets are reckless— treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to instruction. The righteous Lord is in her; he does no wrong. He applies his justice morning by morning; he does not fail at dawn, yet the one who does wrong knows no shame. I have cut off nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have laid waste their streets, with no one to pass through. Their cities lie devastated, without a person, without an inhabitant. I said: You will certainly fear me and accept correction. Then her dwelling place would not be cut off based on all that I had allocated to her. However, they became more corrupt in all their actions. Therefore, wait for me— this is the LORD’s declaration--- until the day I rise up for plunder. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out my indignation on them, all my burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.”

Condemnation starts with the political leaders (princes and judges). They were taking advantage of the people, seeking to line their own pockets at the expense of those under their authority. They were gluttonous and never satisfied. Zephaniah likened them to “ roaring lions, and ravening wolves” who would devour their prey and leave nothing for breakfast.

In our society we gripe and complain about unjust politicians and judges, especially if they represent a party different from ours. Paul said that instead we should pray for them. 1 Tim 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”

The second group of leaders whom God condemned were the prophets and priests; those who are called to proclaim the word of the LORD and to care for the flock of believers. In our day this would be preachers and pastors who are in the ministry for all the wrong reasons. The are personally unfaithful to God and lead the people astray. They present a good front, but behind the scenes are irreverent, immoral and, like the politicians, in it for what they can get out of it.

“profaning the sanctuary” could likely refer to bringing the world into the church. I don’t mean that in a good way. In one sense we should be bringing the world (lost people) into the church so that they can be exposed to the gospel. We are failing at that. On any given Sunday 90-95% of all the people in any church claim to already be believers. On the other hand we must avoid embracing the ways of the world in the church. In some churches today the atmosphere is more like a night club than a sanctuary. Special lighting, smoke machines, performers in costume (holey jeans, etc) with background music that sounds like that emanating from a club,and preachers in skinny jeans, tee shirts and sneakers all in an attempt to identify with the lost.

“Doing violence to instruction” means watering down the teachings of God. Pastors and preachers who leave out the “tough” parts of scripture in favor of a “feel-good” message might well fall into this category.

In vv 5-8 God established His position and then declared His judgment on the city (church). (read)

2. Revival is coming!

Zep 3:9-20 “For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with a single purpose. From beyond the rivers of Cush my supplicants, my dispersed people, will bring an offering to me. On that day you will not be put to shame because of everything you have done in rebelling against me. For then I will remove from among you your jubilant, arrogant people, and you will never again be haughty on my holy mountain. I will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will take refuge in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or tell lies; a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will pasture and lie down, with nothing to make them afraid. Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: ‘Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in His love. He will delight in you with singing. I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her. Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather the outcasts; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame. At that time I will bring you back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes. The LORD has spoken.”

Once judgment has been levied, the faithful remnant will be restored to Jerusalem (the church). The relationship between Christ and the remnant is like that of a Groom and Bride. This all takes place “at that time”. The time when Messiah will return to occupy His rightful throne.

Application: (How does this apply to my life?)

Do you know which camp you are in? Are you part of the remnant?

Surrender to Christ to insure that you are part of the remnant.

If you have allowed the world system to dilute your pursuit of God, repent and resume drawing near to Him in worship, prayer and obedience to His commands.