Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-3

C.I.: Zephaniah: “The Judgment of God is Coming!”

This year we decided we were going to do a quarterly series on the Minor (explain) Prophets.
Today we will begin looking at the final grouping of these books.

I. Reasons for God’s Coming Judgment

A. A Historical Background

1 A Timeline to bring us up to date
a. Moses (Exodus) – Joshua – Judges – David – Solomon – Divided Kingdom
b. Assyrian Captivity (idolatry) – now we are in the time before the Babylonian captivity.

B. Sins that Bring the Judgment of God (or, “What Really Ticks God Off!”), Zephaniah 1:1-13

1. The Sin of False Leaders (1:4)
a. “I will stretch out My hand against Judah – and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. –
And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, - and the names of the idolatrous
priests along with the priests.”
b. Some priests arose amongst the people - who taught them to trust in idols (explain “idols”)
i. Then as now – God warns us to be watchful (Acts 20:28-30).
ii. Sadly the “good” priests co-existed w/idolatrous ones also “cut off” – (II Cor. 6:17), “‘Come out from their midst & be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean; - and I will welcome you.’”

2. The Sin of Syncretism, v. 5
a. “And those who bow down on the housetops to the hosts of heaven (Astrology), and those who bow down & swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom.”
b. Syncretism = “The combination of different religious/philosophical beliefs”
i. Anytime a believer puts their faith in God AND _____________, they sin!
ii. Belief systems of Men – (quote Col. 2:8), “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy & empty deception, - according to the tradition of men….”
iii. Personal Effort – (quote Eph. 2:8-9), “For by grace you have been saved….”

3. The Sin of Atheism & Apostasy, v. 6
a. “And those who have turned back from following the Lord, and those who have not sought the Lord or inquired of Him.”
b. There are lots of atheists in the world – but remember, God is here talking to HIS people!
i. Some say apostasy is impossible, “Once saved always…,” both in the O.T. – and also in the N.T. – God declares it is possible to reject - what we once have received.
1. (Quote Heb. 10:26-27), “If we go on sinning willfully after receiving….”
ii. Those who refuse to place their faith in God cannot be saved – (Heb. 11:6).
iii. How we “seek” – (Psa. 119:2), “How blessed are those who observe His laws – who seek Him with all their heart.”

4. The Sin of Trusting “in Others,” (v. 8)
a. “I will punish the princes, the king’s sons & all who clothe themselves in foreign garments.”
i. The leadership of God’s people were wearing the raiment of the nations around them – (ex.: When we put on our “Broncos Gear” – we are showing our allegiance!).
ii. The people had faith in foreign alliances - instead of trusting in God – (ex.: Parents, Preachers, Churches, etc.).
iii. Or those who trust in the man-made church growth models: “Felt Needs” vs. “Sinners in need of a Savior.”

5. The Sin of Complacency (v. 12)
a. “I will punish the men who are stagnant in spirit, who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good or evil.’”
i. Moving water can produce incredible amounts of power = “Stagnant” water can only produces millions of mosquitos! – God has called for us to “be on the move” for Him!
ii. Our love & gratitude for God for He has done – must fire our lives w/passion for Him
iii. (Titus 2:14; Rev. 3:15-16), “He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous… - I know your deeds that you are neither hot nor cold; I wish that you were hot…!”

6. Ultimately, each of these sins is all about the same thing – trusting in something other than God!

C. The Coming Judgment (Then & Now)

1. While the message of Zephaniah is for His people – it is true that God still loves the world (Jn. 3:16).
a. So to the nations surrounding His people – to save them from His wrath, God says, (2:1-3), “Gather yourselves together, yes, gather, O nation without shame, before the decree takes effect
– the day passes like the chaff – before the burning anger of the Lord comes upon you, before
the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you. – Seek the Lord (Matt. 6:33), all you humble of
the earth (I Pt. 5:5), who have carried out His ordinances (Jn. 14:15), - seek righteousness,
seek humility. – Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.”
b. Now for the rest of the chapter – God tells (using a compass) – the fate of those nations that
don’t repent (Philistia = west; Moab/Ammon = East; Ethiopia = south; Assyria = north).
c. Jesus came because God wants to save (Jn. 3:17) – but we too have a role (Mk. 16:15-16).

2. Following God’s judgment it will be a time of Glory for His people
a. It was true for them – (Zeph. 3:17), “The Lord your God is in your midst, - a victorious warrior. – He will exult over you with joy, He will renew you in His love, - He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy!”
b. After the 2nd Coming of Jesus – it will be true - for all God’s people!
i. (John 14:2-3), “I go to prepare a place for you. – And if I go to prepare a place for you – I will come again and receive you to Myself; - so that where I am, - there you may be also.”