Promises, Promises, Promises Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:14-20 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. 16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. 17 The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:14-20 18 I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, Who are among you, To whom its reproach is a burden. 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame. 20 At that time I will bring you back, Even at the time I gather you; For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, When I return your captives before your eyes,” says the Lord.

Zephaniah – In Context In the days of Josiah Days of political and religious reform Capstone event of Josiah’s reign in 621B.C. – the Book of the Law is discovered and worship is reformed Divided Kingdom Israel defeated Pre-Exile for Southern Kingdom of Judah Primary Theme – God’s Sovereignty

Zephaniah – Overview Judgment Pronounced Call to Repentance Indictment and Judgment on Jerusalem and the Nations Promise of a remnant, preserved by God.

5 Promises of Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God in your midst; The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

5 Promises of Zephaniah 3:17 DIVINE COMPANIONSHIP NLT – The Lord your God is living among you Jesus promises believers His companionship in the Great Commission

5 Promises of Zephaniah 3:17 DIVINE DELIVERANCE Image of a Great Warrior or Hero God is THE Mighty One; Not a mighty one It is God who saves

5 Promises of Zephaniah 3:17 DIVINE DELIGHT Difference between us rejoicing in God and God rejoicing in and over us True and Permanent delight of God the Father in His people

5 Promises of Zephaniah 3:17 DIVINE COMFORT NLT – With His love, He will calm all your fears ESV – He will quiet you by His love Troubles will come – but God will comfort

5 Promises of Zephaniah 3:17 DIVINE MELODY Parent/Grandparent singing over a child Child being sung over with rejoicing by their parent

3 Points on Promises A Promise is only as good as its maker’s ability and authority to keep it. God’s authority vs. man’s authority In the beginning, God. All authority given to Jesus. WE CAN RELY ON GOD’S PROMISES

3 Points on Promises FAITH Promises must be acted upon by its recipient FAITH

3 Points on Promises Promises are given for a specific purpose GOD’S PURPOSE – TO MAKE HIS GLORY KNOWN TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE PROMISES OF GOD?