The Day of the Lord is Near - Can You Imagine?

Introduction:

Gone Forever: 5 Things That Will Soon Be Behind Us (Zephaniah 3:9-20):

1. Our Shame: gone forever. (Zeph 3:9-11)
2. Our Sin: gone forever. (Zeph 3:12-13)
3. Our Want: gone forever. (Zeph 3:13)
4. Our Fear: gone forever. (Zeph 3:14-16)
5. Our Doubt: gone forever. (Zeph 3:17)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Zephaniah 3:9-20

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why can’t Jesus make all things new without judgment / punishing sin? Why the need for 7 years of Tribulation (The Day of the Lord)?
   

3. In the Millennial Kingdom, do you think we will remember our life on earth from before? If so, how is it we will feel no regret (Zeph 3:11, 15)?
   

4. Read Zeph 3:17. Why does the Lord love us in this way? What effect does this have on you today?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

The Day of the Lord is Near - Are You Ready?

Introduction:

1 Peter 4:17 - For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness...

How Do You Respond to Correction? (Zephaniah 2:4-3:8)

1. I throw a Pity party.
2. I get Defensive .
3. I kill the Messenger .
4. I Flee .
5. I Examine myself.

How to Receive Correction: 3 Questions of Self-Examination.

1. Could this be True ?

   Proverbs 15:32 - Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

2. Why is this person telling me this?

   Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

3. Am I hurting my Testimony ?

   Proverbs 12:1 - Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Zephaniah 2:4-3:8

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. What kind of thoughts / emotions do you experience when you consider God's coming judgment (the Day of the Lord)?
   

3. “We can't hold worldly people to Biblical standards.” Why is this impossible?
   

4. Be honest, how do you typically respond to correction? Why?
   

5. Explain how “accepting correction” is connected to “trusting God” and “drawing near to God” (Zeph 3:2).

Breakout
Pray for one another. Correct one another and see if the sermon landed.

The Day of the Lord is Near - Do You Care

Introduction:

Matthew 24:12 - And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

4 Things Complacent People Say (Zephaniah 1:1-2:3):

1. I'm not that Bad .
2. I'm Self-Rreliant .
3. I'm comfortable in the Culture .
4. I'm satisfied with Shallow .

How Do I Wake Up from My Complacency?

1. Get Hungry .
2. Get Honest .
3. Get Humble .

1 Peter 4:17 - For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God...

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Zephaniah 1:1-2:3

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Read Zephaniah 1:12. What do you think makes people complacent? What does that process look like?
   

3. What are some ways you see people “walking like the blind” today (Zephaniah 1:17)?
   

4. How is God's jealousy connected to His wrath (Zephaniah 1:18)?

Breakout
Pray for one another.