Sermon Central
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Zephania: Seek The Lord Series
Contributed by Fred Sigle on Jan 12, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Zephaniah's message hits hard the ruling class of Judah for their part in leading the people down a path of immorality, corruption, and idolatry. (This sermon was preached during the Fourth of July)
III. PROMISE- 3:9-20
A. God is using the BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY to purge out the WICKEDNESS of Judah- 3:9-13
1. A “Righteous Remnant” will return to their land from BABYLON, and no longer will they SERVE other gods but will “TRUST in the NAME of the LORD”- v. 12.
2. Do you remember the PURPOSE of “The Day of the Lord”? JUDGMENT and SALVATION.
a. DESTROY the WICKED.
b. SAVE the RIGHTEOUS.
COMMENT:
When Judah is taken into CAPTIVITY, many will REPENT and SEEK God once again.
3. The “Remnant of Israel” will return to Jerusalem, and once again receive God’s blessings- v. 13
COMMENT:
This is a PROMISE of HOPE given to the Judeans on the BRINK of DISASTER. They are going to be PUNISHED by God. Many will DIE. Yet, God will preserve a RIGHTEOUS REMNANT through which Jesus the Messiah will be BORN, and all these blessings FULFILLED.
B. The RESTORATION of Israel brings great JOY- vv. 14-20
1. v. 14- “Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O Daughter of Jerusalem!”
COMMENT:
We read last week in Micah 7:1 that there hadn’t been JOY in Judah, only “MISERY.” But when the RIGHTEOUS REMNANT returns to Jerusalem, there will be much REJOICING.
2. Yet, this PROMISE didn’t END with the RETURN of the RIGHTEOUS REMNANT; its fulfillment
is extended to us, the church of Jesus Christ.
a. Hebrews 12:22-23a (READ and COMMENT) (The CHURCH is the SPIRITUAL ZION.)
b. Zephaniah 3:17a- “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.”
CONCLUSION:
2 Chronicles 7:14 (READ)
This was a promise made to Israel right after King Solomon built the Temple of God and before Israel
became a DIVIDED KINGDOM. Yet, Israel didn’t listen to God, and both nations were JUDGED.
