Week 9 – Andy Hazelet – July 30th, 2017
Message Notes:
Big Idea: The problems of our day require a different solution.
Main Scripture: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:1-4.
3:1 – “What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime!” (NLT)
Big Question: What is the problem of our day?
- The Problem of the People.
3:2 – “No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the LORD or draw near to its God.” (NLT)
- Rejection of God’s truth:
“She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction.” (ASV)
- Trust in themselves.
- Ignored the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)
James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (NASB)
- The Problem of the Leadership.
3:3 – “Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims. Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey. (NLT)
Zephaniahs 3:4 – Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God’s instructions.” (NLT)
- They led from a selfish position:
- They themselves were defiled:
- They refused to teach the truths of God:
“Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.” (NASB)
Matthew 23:23-25 says: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” (NIV)
“Someone has said that a politician is concerned about his party and asks. “Is it popular?” The diplomat is concerned with policy and asks, “Is it safe?” But the statesman is concerned about the good of the nation and asks, “Is it right?” (Wiersbe)
- What do I want for my children spiritually?
- How am I modeling that or leading them toward that?
- The Problem of the Church.
2:3 – “Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you—protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.” (NLT)
Psalm 86:11 – “Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” (NLT)
“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen, such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of God on earth.” (John Wesley)
Stop lobbying, start seeking.
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