Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 8, 2015

“The Accountability Factor” Zephaniah 1:1-2:3 Bible Study 03/08/15

I. Introduction

-Zephaniah: Yahweh has “hidden” or “treasured”
-Date: 630 B. C. in Judah
-Setting: After Hezekiah and Manasseh and before/during Josiah
-Key Phrase: “Day of the Lord”

II. The LORD declares His intention (2-4a)

-announcement of holy anger
-immediate and ultimate judgment
-no “exemption” clause

III. The LORD details the cause of His holy anger

1. Religion: denunciation of idolatry (4b-7)

-Baal and Milcom
-Idolaters, adulterers and apostates
-“Be silent…”: no more declarations of innocence
-sacrifice imagery

2. Social Customs (8-9)

-imitation of nations by princes/officials
-vain practices

3. Commerce (10-11)

-corrupt merchants

4. The Masses (12-13)

-complacency
-defective view of God

IV. The LORD describes the coming day (14-18)

-wrath
-helplessness
-jealousy

V. The LORD discloses the possibility of escape (2:1-3)

-before the decree “gives birth…”
-seek…LORD, righteousness, humility
-“hidden”
-remnant concept

VI. So What?

-Because God alone is God, He holds all people accountable and uses extreme measures to restore them to Himself.
-Acknowledge your accountability.
-Marvel at the jealous love of God.
-Determine to banish the “Baals” from your life.
-Where there is humility and obedience, there is hope.
-“What have we to do with idols who have fellowshipped with Him?” (Rowan)