|
TRUTH that Zephaniah teaches |
ACTION that Zephaniah invites |
1. Instructions for growing in piety
The sin of pride is revealed more or less in words than in action. The tongue is made impure with repeated expressions of stubbornness, or with the profane use of GOD's name. |
3:9-13
Purify your heart and your words will also be pure. Allow GOD to purify your lips and speech. |
2. Steps toward a dynamic devotion
The key to knowing GOD is to seek him continually. The greatest danger of this pursuit is the temptation to be satisfied with previous encounters without making efforts to renew them. |
1:6
Persevere in the ways of the LORD. Don't turn back. Seek the answer to your questions in GOD.
1:12
Maintain your zeal for the faith. Refuse complacency.
3:5
Seek GOD all your days. Trust that the LORD will act with justice. |
3. A way toward holiness
Avoid your attitudes and character being molded by the worldly outline. We are citizens of another kingdom. |
1:8
Refuse to let anything foreign to the kingdom of GOD govern your life. |
4. Lessons for leaders
The wise leader accepts the testimony of Scripture about the human being, and rejects the doctrine that teaches the innate goodness of the human creature. An attitude that causes us to refuse to be instructed is only the tip of the iceberg of human stubbornness. Divine wisdom should illuminate our concept about ourselves and place us on our guard against insincerity and pride in all their manifestations. |
3:2
Leaders, understand that the clearest evidence that someone doesn't trust in the LORD, or doesn't seek Him diligently, is the rebellious attitude, disobedience and resistance to receiving instruction.
3:3
Leaders, avoid being among those who speak loudly, promise great things, but create nothing permanent or bear no long-term fruits.
3:4
Leaders, diligently avoid any form of arrogance or pride in your ministry. Don't profane the ministry by distorting the Word of GOD in any way. Never teach your own opinions as if they were the Word of GOD. |
