Zephaniah (Information, application, example, action)

Zephaniah colored Decoder

(S1) Review: Assyria has destroyed Israel: Yay! We survived!

Now the next group of prophets are going to warn Judah the same is coming to them.

(S2)

Think about being Judah. Oh, the day of the Lord’s judgement came, obviously it was for Israel (northern) not us. Then God sends more prophets, “nope, it’s still coming.”

(S3)

(S4) The day of the Lord 1: Without God RED

Zephaniah 1:2–3 (NIV) Reverse of creation

2 “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. 3 “I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea— and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” “When I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth,” declares the Lord,

Zephaniah 1:8 (NIV) God’s presence is destruction

8 “On the day of the Lord’s sacrifice I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all those clad in foreign clothes.

The attributes of the wicked

Zephaniah 1:12 (NIV) Not just for the wicked but the complacent

12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad.’

Zephaniah 1:17–18 (NIV) Lovers of idols

17 “I will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind, because they have sinned against the Lord. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath.” In the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth.

Zephaniah 3:1–2 (NIV) Ignores God’s correction

1 Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! 2 She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God.

Zephaniah 3:5 (NIV) Shameless - before forgiveness

5 The Lord within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.

(S5) The day of the Lord 2: With God BLUE

Zephaniah 1:7 (NIV) God consecrated (made sacred/holy)

7 Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited.

Zephaniah 2:3 (NIV) Humble, seeking righteousness

3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Zephaniah 3:9–13 (NIV) The presence of God is healing, purpose, peace

9 “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder. 10 From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings. 11 On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. 12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the Lord. 13 They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.”

Zephaniah 3:15–17 (NIV) Healing, salvation, and His joy

15 The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:18–20 (NIV) A home, and honor

18 “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. 19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. 20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.

(S6) Application

Door 1 or door 2: Every person has a relationship with God. God is willing to have a loving relationship with every person in this room.

If we will walk with Him and have a home in His arms, salvation, healing, purpose, holiness, and He sings over you with Joy.

If we are complacent, if we love idols, if we are shameless even though we haven’t been forgiven, if we ignore the loving correction of God’s Word and Spirit. God’s judgement will be so thorough it will be as if we were unmade.

(S7) Example

John Newton: The man who wrote amazing grace before that he was a monster.

Born in 1725, Newton was an English sailor who lived a life of rebellion and sin. He was involved in the transatlantic slave trade and worked as a slave ship captain.

During one voyage, in 1748, Newton's ship encountered a severe storm. Fearing for his life, he called out to God for mercy.

Over the following years, Newton began to study the Bible and eventually worked to end slavery, renouncing his former life.

What do you think John Newton was thinking when he wrote these words?

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Action

(S8) Give up

If you are without God: humility is the key of hope. God wants to sing over you with Joy, and there’s nothing you’ve done that Christ’s blood cannot cover. What do I mean by humility?

Say, God I cannot life this life without you. It’s that simple. Give it to God. Do what He says instead of what you think is best.

(S9) I know what that’s like

If you walk with God: Realize everyone at your job, or at Aldi, all of your children have a relationship with God. Most of them are being crushed by it.

Look in our world. Doesn’t it look like a generation of men and women being unmade, crushed under the realities of life? Put their names on the wall. Pray for them. Invite them to Easter service. Share your testimony. During your Easter dinner when your nephew admits he’s been having a hard time and life is crushing him say, “I know what it’s like to be hopeless. I used to be hopeless too but then Jesus forgave me and I submitted to Him. Now living life is full of hope because I know God’s got it.”

(S10) Read Ephesians, I dare you

If you think this is all nonsense: how else do you explain a man living as a rich slave trader changed down to his very core. Could I challenge you? Read Ephesians and see if the Holy Spirit does nothing in your heart. I dare you to open God’s word and seek His face.