Sermon on 11 September 2022 by Ps Justin
Introduction
True Christians always seek the Lord. A renewed mind and a kingdom mindset is what you need in approaching the 12 books of the minor prophets. They are about God’s judgment and hope for salvation. They talk about the sinfulness of man, repentance, and restoration. The book of Zephaniah is about the severity of God (judgement) and also the goodness of God (restoration).
Message
Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger. – Zephaniah 2:3
The word ‘meek’ refers to the humble. A person who is humble is very strong in character, able to stand firm in the love of God. The Lord requires us to seek righteousness and humility. Seeking righteousness means seeking deliverance. The name Zephaniah means ‘hidden in Him’. The prophet Zephaniah is preaching for all to seek righteousness and humility so that they can be hidden in the ‘day of the Lord’. God hates sin. The ‘day of the Lord’ is a day of God’s wrath, but it is also a day of blessing. If you seek His goodness, you will not be cut off.
Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. – Romans 11:22
Zephaniah’s prophecy led to the religious reformation of the kingdom of Judah. Revival is marked by behavioural change and transformation (2 Chronicles 7:14). Do not allow yourself to follow the patterns of the world. The devil only worries when there is inward transformation. The nine beatitudes sets out the characteristics of true disciples of Christ (Matthew 5:3-11).
Day of Wrath
Zephaniah preached a strong message of the coming of judgement day (Zephaniah 1:15-18). The day of the Lord is also called the day of wrath (Zephaniah 1:2-6, 14-15). It is a day of darkness. There is double fulfilment of the prophecies – (i) the initial reference of the day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1:4-5) where judgement has already come, and (ii) the future reference of the day of the Lord (Matthew 24:30, 25:31-33). The future reference is about the second coming of Jesus Christ. At the second coming, Jesus will judge not only His own but also the whole world (Acts 17:31, Hebrews 9:27). The whole world will be judged. There is no way to be hidden from the Lord’s anger except to seek righteousness and humility (Zephaniah 2:3).
Day of Joy
God is a compassionate and merciful god. He wants us to be saved, but this comes with humility. God blesses the humble (James 3:6). A true church of Christ focuses on humility; a true body of Christ where Jesus is the head. Seeking righteousness is also seeking deliverance. After the whole chastening process is completed, blessing will come (Zephaniah 3:17). The remnant of Israel will be gathered, redeemed and restored (Zephaniah 3:11-13). The remnant are people of faith, lowly and humble. The remnant are the people of peace and will not tell lies (1 Peter 3:10; Colossians 4:6).
“For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord. – Zephaniah 3:9
The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness and speak no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; For they shall feed their flocks and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid.” - Zephaniah 3:13
Blessed people have security in the Lord.
Closing
The book of Zephaniah opens with idolatry, wrath and judgement, but closes with true worship, rejoicing and blessings.
The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
The book of Zephaniah began and ended with “says the Lord” (Zephaniah 3:20). What we need to do is be obedient, listen and live faithfully. Seek righteousness, seek humility. Seek the Lord. Let us stay focused, stay form, and stay faithful as a holy remnant of God.
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