Zephaniah 1:4-7
“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests, those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom, those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of Him.” Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated His guests. (ESV)
1. The Reality of God’s Judgement. (v4 a)
“I will stretch out my hand …
2. The Recipients of God’s Judgment. (v4 b)
… against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; …
3. The Results of God’s Judgement. (v4 c)
… and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests, …
4. The Reasons for God’s Judgement. (v5-6)
… those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom, those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of Him.” …
5. The Response to God’s Judgement. (v7a)
Be silent before the Lord GOD! …
6. The Redemption from God’s Judgement. (v7b)
… For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated His guests. …
Conclusion.
a. Recognize the certainty of judgment.
b. Repent from idolatry and compromise.
c. Respond with reverent silence before God.
d. Receive Christ, God’s prepared sacrifice.