This Week's Focus Zephaniah 3:9-17

3 Mighty Warrior Zephaniah 3:9-17

This Week’s Focus We have all seen movies where bullying is a problem, but then enters a guy new to the school who comes to the rescue of the downtrodden. While it makes for a good movie, it rarely happens in life. We all love a happy movie with a good story that gives us a chance to cheer for the little guy, but most of the time in our own lives we find ourselves being beat down by the world. Zephaniah’s listeners would definitely fit into that category. They were facing difficult times because of their actions against God, but Zephaniah reminds the people that there is a Warrior who will fight for them.

Zephaniah 3:9-17 9 “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may ord and serve him shoulder to shoulder. call on the name of the L 10 From beyond the rivers of Cush11 On my that worshipers, day you, myJerusalem, scattered will people, will bring me offerings. not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be 12 But I will leave within you the meek and haughty on my holy hill. ord. humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the L 13 They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths.14 Sing,They Daughter will eat and Zion; lie shoutdown aloud,and no one will make them afraid. Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back , the King of Israel, is with you; never again your enemy. The ordL On that day they will say to Jerusalem, will you fear n any harm. 16 17 The Lord “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Does the tone of this passage reveal that is was a positive or a negative message?

What images stuck out to you as you read this passage from the Book of Zephaniah?

© LifeWay 2014 Session 3 17 Background on the Book of Zephaniah: -Zephaniah was written between 640-612 B.C. osiah- J inherited the throne at a time when idolatry was prevalent. he - T public reading of the book of the law helped start the reforms of Josiah as people repented and tore down altars.

Verses 9-11 What are 2 results that come from God giving pure speech to His people?

How is it possible that God can remove our shame when we are guilty of rebelling against Him?

Verses 12-13 Verse 12 mentions a meek and humble people. Where else in Scripture have you heard the word “meek” used?

List 4 characteristics of God’s remnant that are found in verses 12-13.

What does verse 15 say God will do for His remnant? How has God done this for you?

Verses 16-17

What makes it possible that we do not have to fear anymore?

Describe the image Zephaniah uses to describe God. What does this mean to you as you think about your view of God?

Now What? List a time when you felt discouraged or beat down.

When you found yourself there, who came to your rescue or showed up to encourage you?

How did it make you feel to know that someone was there for you?

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is your Warrior that will fight for you?

© LifeWay 2014 20 Explore the Bible | Students Personal Challenge Dwell: As believers, we must be diligent to live our lives for Christ in a world that is adamantly opposed to His name. We will suffer because of that and the Bible warns us of those days. When you find yourself suffering, never forget that you have a God who stands as a mighty Warrior who is among you and who is ready to save.

Memorize: Zephaniah 3:17 Pray: standing Thank as your the Warrior Lord for and for seeking you out. Thank Him for His love in sending Jesus and for the salvation we have in Christ. Ask God to help you trust Him as Warrior and King of your life.

Keep on Digging Read the Book of Zephaniah this week. It is a short book, but reading it will give you a better understanding of what was going on that prompted the verses that you studied today.