Transformed by God’s Justice
I. The DAY of the LORD… AGAIN (1:2-3; 14-18; 3:8)
A. The REVERSAL of CREATION (1:2-3)
B. The PRIDE that Comes Before the FALL (1:12; 2:10,15; 3:2,11)
1. A LACK of OBEDIENCE
2. A REFUSAL of CORRECTION
3. An UNWILLINGNESS to TRUST
4. A REJECTION of GOD
C. HOPE for a HUMBLE Remnant (2:1-3; 3:12)
II. The TWO Sides of God’s JUSTICE
A. The REAL and TOTAL WRATHFUL Judgment of God (1:2-18; 2:4-3:8)
B. The SIMULTANEOUS and EXPECTATION-DEFYING Love of God (3:9-20)
III. “Do Not Let Your HANDS Hang LIMP…” (3:16)
A. In HUMILITY, WOTSHIP (3:17)
B. In OBEDIENCE, Take HOLD (2:3)
C. In IMITATION, FOLLOW Jesus to the CROSS (3:13)
Questions for Further Reflection
1. Kid’s Question: Do you like to sing? Why or why not? Why do you think Zephaniah uses the picture of God singing and dancing over us?
2. What is your reaction to all of this “Day of the Lord” talk? Are you uncomfortable with the idea of God working in history in this way?
3. What are some areas of pride in our world? What are some areas of pride in your own life?
4. How do you understand humility?
5. Which side of God’s justice is easier for you to swallow, His wrath or His love? Why do youthink that is?
6. In what ways have we been prideful in our worship?
7. In what areas have we been disobedient in our covenant?
8. In what ways do we fail to follow Jesus’ example of cruciform love?
9. What is something tangible that you can commit to for the rest of Lent that will emboldenyou to “not let your hands hang limp”?