Zephaniah

Zephaniah 3:1-7

Theme: The Day of the Lord

Key Chapter: 3

Key Verse: 2:3

3 chapters, 53 verses, and 1,476 words

Grade level: 8.3

AUTHOR

The Holy Spirit of God by inspiration through Zephaniah

DATE WRITTEN

7th Century B.C.

Outline

I. The Determination Of The Lord. ch.1

II.The Day Of The Lord. ch.2

III.The Deliverance Of The Lord. ch.3

The verses written to backslidden Judah—they are

applicable today.

We find in v.2 the STEPS to spiritual ruin.

I. Disobedience.

She obeyed not the voice

God's ministers preached—they did not listen.

They read the Scriptures—but did not learn.

The Holy Spirit led in providence—but they refused to follow.

II. Disregard.

she received not correction

God's judgments were ignored.

When calamity, or pestilence, or droughts came, they ignored God, only complained.

God said "Return unto me... I will return unto you."

III. Distrust.

she trusted not in the LORD

Unbelief always follows disobedience.

Men trust in things and expect the blessings of God.

Men trust other men and are disappointed.

IV. Desertion.

she drew not near to her god

Instead of confessing her sins, she polluted the sanctuary of God.

Instead of repentance she gathered to her priests who would satisfy the carnal.

Instead of consecration and worship she did violence to the law of God—perverted it to fit her fancy.

Conclusion:

Verse 6, God's answer to such a life:

Zephaniah 3:6 (KJV)

I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

There is another path that leadeth unto life—Christ!

John 14:6 KJV

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 15:5 KJV

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

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