Zephaniah 1:14-18
The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements. I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the LORD. In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed; for a full and sudden end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth. (ESV)
1. The Nearness of the Day of the Lord
Do we live as if Christ’s return is near?
Have we examined ourselves to ensure we are truly in the faith? (2 Cor. 13:5)
2. The Nature of the Day of the Lord (v. 15-16)
Are we prepared for this great darkness?
Do we cling to Christ, who alone is the Light of the world? (John 8:12)
3. The Just Cause for the Day of the Lord (v. 17)
Do we take sin seriously?
Are we blind to our own spiritual state?
4. The Futility of Wealth on the Day of the Lord (v. 18)
Do we trust in our wealth, status, or earthly security rather than in Christ?
Have we laid up treasure in heaven? (Mat. 6:19-21)
5. The Only Refuge from the Day of the Lord
Have you fled to Christ alone as your refuge?
Are you living in the light of this reality, warning others?
Conclusion:
This is a Call to Repentance from our sin and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.