Zephaniah 1-3

Zephaniah warns of the coming destruction of Judah due to its escalating level of sin. He also reveals God's pending Judgement of the surrounding nations.

Chapter 1

Review Genesis 6:7

1. How does the wording of Zephaniah 1: 1-4 sound similar to God's response to sin before the Great Flood?

2. Assuming that the story of the flood was presented to future generations, why has the level of sin grown to this level again?

3. Zephaniah discusses Judah's worship of Baal and other gods in verses 4-7

-As you read these verses, consider the gods that are sometimes erected in our own lives...

-Should the judgement against us be similar to that of Judah?

4. As the chapter continues, Zephaniah reveals God's Judgement against the nations.

1. After reviewing some of the verses at the end of chapter 1, what are some of your thoughts?

2. Is it easy to grow complacent when the "great day of the Lord" is at an uncertain time?

Chapter 2

1. Zephaniah advises the people of Judah at the beginning of chapter 2 that those who hear this information should seek the Lord and repent of their great sin.

-Is it likely that this was the response of those that heard this warning from Zephaniah?

2. Chapter 2 continues with a specific account against the different people groups that have fought against the people of God. He also indicates that the possessions of these nations will be transferred to Judah.

-Why would God show grace to His chosen people despite their level of sin?

Chapter 3

1.  Review vs 3-5

-Why does God specifically point out the sin of the authorities that are in charge?

-Why does he compare the officials and rulers to vicious predators?

2. There is a series of events that are discussed in verses 9-20. The imagery shows the purification of the nations and rejoicing in the city by the restored remnant. 

 The remnant will be those who are meek and humble and trust in the name of the Lord, (see v 12.)

1. If you were one of the few people in Judah that lived in the manner noted above, what would be your response to the general theme of this book?

-Would Zephaniah's words spur you to evangelize and increase the number within the "remnant?"

2. God reminds His people in v 17 that He is "mighty to save" and that He takes great delight in His children.

-Discuss how these verses would have provided assurance for the people within the remnant.

-Does it bring you assurance?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Zephaniah 1-3

Habakkuk 1-3

Habakkuk has witnessed sin in Judah for some time and approaches God with this complaint: Why does the evil in Judah go unpunished?

Chapter 1: Habakkuk's Complaint

1. As you read through some of the questions that Habakkuk raises in verses 1-5, what are some thoughts that come up in your own mind?

-Do you wonder how long God will allow evil to go unpunished?

-Do you wonder if God is hearing your prayers regarding injustice in the world? 

2. In your opinion, why does God allow this wickedness to occur?

 

The Lord's Answer

God's response to Habakkuk indicates that He will send Babylon to punish Judah.

1. In verse 7, God notes that the Babylonians are "a law to themselves and promote their own honor."

-From first review, why would God choose a wicked nation to punish His chosen people?

-Does this seem fair? Does it matter if it is fair or not?

Habakkuk's Second Complaint

Habakkuk questions God's choice regarding raising up Babylon to punish Judah.

1. What is the justice in Judah being punished by an even more wicked nation?

2. If you lived a very sinful lifestyle, would punishment of this nature humble you?

Chapter 2: The Lord's Answer

1. God responds to Habakkuk's questions by noting that Babylon will one day be defeated.

-Does it bring you comfort to know that in God's Time, the wicked will be defeated?

-Is it hard to align our timeline to God's Timeline?

2. Why would God allow the wicked to rest in their sin before their destruction?

Chapter 3: Habakkuk's Prayer

Habakkuk learns to wait for God's Will to be done.

1. What can we learn from Habakkuk's faith through this dialogue with God?

2. Why would he rejoice despite the circumstances that he is witnessing?

3. Is it hard for us to trust in God for His Deliverance while facing the trials of our lives?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Habakkuk 1-3

Nahum 1-3

The book begins as an oracle against the city of Nineveh. The city has plotted against God and will certainly receive His wrath.

The Lord's Anger Against Nineveh

1. What is the general theme of the first chapter of Nahum?

2. The Lord indicates to Nahum that He is jealous and avenging, but slow to anger.

-What has Nineveh done that has so greatly angered God?

-Why is He so zealous to protect what belongs to Him?

3. Review the control that God has over His Creation in verses 3-7 

-What would you be thinking if you were the subject of His wrath?

Nineveh to Fall

The tone of the book continues to change. Nineveh prepares to defend itself against the wrath of God. This is futile, because God has decreed that the city would be destroyed.

1. What is Nineveh doing to defend itself?

-Why would the city feel that these precautions would be sufficient enough against God's wrath?

2. The imagery of this second chapter includes specific descriptions of the attack of the city.

-What images resound in your mind about its fall?

3. Review v13

-What would it feel like to have God against you?

-Have you ever been an enemy of God? 

Woe to Nineveh

This final section of Nahum reviews the reasons behind Nineveh's fall.

   

1. Nineveh is seen as a "city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims."

-How does a city get to this point? 

-What if you lived in this city? What would be your response to the direction of the government?

-How would you feel if you knew that no one would show sympathy for your fall?

2. What if you lived outside of the city?

-What would be some of your thoughts regarding the choices of Nineveh?

-How would you view its subsequent destruction?

Additional discussion questions:

1. About 150 years earlier, the prophet Jonah came to Ninevah and there was a great revival. 150 years later, the city is full of sin again. What happened?

2. What should be our "take-home" message from the book of Nahum?

-Are there warnings from God that we ignore?

-Is His wrath worth testing?

3. Discuss how God's wrath will eventually fall on those that defiantly choose to live in sin. 

-What has to be done for God's wrath to be turned away from your own life?

-Does it bring you comfort to know that you can seek refuge in Him?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Nahum 1-3

12 Windows

The Minor Prophets: Part 2

Join us this weekend as we begin the second part of the series, 12 Windows: The Minor Prophets.

Ancient voices. Powerful words. Timeless messages. We will hear from some of the prophets of the Old Testament. God has given us their voices- their messages- so that we could hear from Him. What did God record for us, over 2000 years ago, that He did not want us to miss?

Matthew 7: 24-29

The Wise and Foolish Builders

1. Why would someone choose to not put Christ's words into practice?

-Is this a choice made slowly over time? Or, are people generally openly defiant about not submitting to Jesus?

2. Describe some examples of the storms that people face.

3. After reviewing verses 25 and 26- discuss the following:

-What do the houses look like on the outside? Does it matter how well the house itself is built?

-Does the foolish home owner think that the sand will be a strong foundation?

4. Do you know people in your life that are currently building their lives on sand?

-What does the life of someone that has built his or her house on sand look like?

-Have you been one of those people? Are you currently?

5. Why were the crowds amazed by what Jesus said?

-From the text, can you gather if any of these amazed people put Jesus' words into practice?

*****

Further discussion questions:

1. What are some lessons that you have taken from the Kingdom Manifesto?

2. Do you feel that you will put what Jesus says into practice or will you choose another foundation for your life?

3. What can help move us from being "listeners" of Christ's words to becoming someone that puts His words into practice?

Teacher: Jacob Varghese

Matthew 7:24-29