Week 34 • The Day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1)

Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:7

In each reading assignment look for a . . .

Sin to Confess • Promise to Claim • Attitude to Change • Command to Obey • Example to Follow

Personal Study Notes:

Ecclesiastes 5

Ecclesiastes 6

Ecclesiastes 7

Ecclesiastes 8

Zephaniah 1

Accountability Question

  • Did everyone read all five assignments?

  • What application points did you find?

Group Participation

  • Where are we on our ministry project?

  • Have someone take requests and lead prayer.

  • Have someone tell the story or paraphrase.

  • Have someone read the Bible passage.

  • Have someone facilitate the Bible study using the weekly discussion questions.

Weekly Discussion Questions

During the reign of King Josiah, Zephaniah was a prophet of God who was called to bring a message of judgement to the people of Judah.  The chapter begins by describing this coming judgement. 

  •  In verses 2-3, we see Zephaniah describing what is going to take place.  Read Gen. 6:7,17; Gen. 7:21-23.  What similarities are seen in these passages in Genesis and Zephaniah?  

  • How does the imagery of “ sweeping away all creation” (v.3) emphasize the seriousness of God’s judgement?   

  • In verses 4-6, what are some modern day examples of “remnants of Baal” or other idols that we must remove from our lives?  What things may have led people to turn their backs on God? 

  • Verses 7-18 focus on the day of the Lord being near.  What does “Be silent before the Lord God,” imply about God’s authority and how can we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord as is mentioned in v.7?

  • What things will occur on the day of the Lord’s sacrifice? 

  • What does it mean to be complacent, and do we see the complacency described in verse 12-14 in the modern day? 

  • How is the day of wrath described in verse 15? How does this imagery of darkness serve as a call to repentance and a motivation to strive to live righteously? 

Prayer: Father, help us to remain diligent in our awareness that judgment is sure that we may be faithful and steadfast in following after you.  Help us to be mindful to warn others of that day to come as well.