Preparing for Sunday - Zephaniah

August 21, 2014 by Jeremy Adams Preparing for Sunday

Read the book of Zephaniah in one sitting.
Consider Zephaniah's lineage (1:1)
What is the prophet's overall message in the two sections of 1:1 to 3:8 and then 3:8 to 3:11?
What were some of the offenses decried by Zephaniah? (1:3, 1:9, 1:12, 2:10, 3:4
What does the prophecy advise the people to do? (2:3, 2:8)
What is the Lord going to do for the Israelites? (3:12-20)
What do you learn about the Day of the Lord in Zephaniah?

What are some injustices in the world today? How are they different than the time of Zephaniah? How are they the same?
In our country, what are some lessons we could take away from Zephaniah?
How can Zephaniah's prophecy help us to combat idolatry and unrighteousness in our lives, in our communities, and in the world at large?
What comfort can we draw from 3:12-20?

Pray for both God's justice and His mercy locally, nationally, and internationally. Try and think of specific situations that warrant prayer.
Pray for the effectiveness of our church and our personal ministries as we interact with the world around us.
Pray for national leaders that have the temporal power to affect the circumstances of their nations.
Seek out opportunities to promote righteousness in your areas of influence.
Pray for that those who lead our gathering will edify the congregation well: Dawson Bryant, music; Brett Harris, Corporate Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Meditate on the lyrics to the songs we will sing on Sunday to prepare yourself in joining with the congregation.