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Zephaniah 1:7-18 – “Silence Into Singing”

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Zephaniah 1:7-18 – “Silence Into Singing”

Ice Breaker

Consider one of these three scenarios from your personal life and share with the group.

  • A time that I got in trouble and clearly deserved it.
  • A time that I got in trouble, but honestly did not deserve it.
  • A time that I should have gotten in trouble but was graciously spared.

 

Scripture 

Read Together Zephaniah 1:7-18 (ESV)

 

Discussion Questions

  1. When in your life have you had a distorted view of God? (Pastor Freddy T referred to viewing God as Santa Claus or like a genie in a bottle to just give us the things that we want.) In what ways do you still have an improper view of his judgment, mercy and grace?
  2. Why do you think people have such a hard time with the idea of God’s judgment and wrath and would rather just see God as loving and kind?
  3. How have you experienced God’s mercy when deep down you know you should have experienced His judgement?
  4. Have you ever tried to hide from God? Like The Million Dollar Man, we have all at times put up a facade that makes us appear better than we are. Is there anything that you need to confess to God – be honest with Him about yourself and “keep it real”?
  5. How does living life with a facade hinder your witness and testimony to a lost world?
  6. How do your actions and obedience toward God display your trust and confidence in His character?
  7. Realizing that God evaluates your life closely (“with a lamp” v 12), what is He going to find sinful that you have simply determined as acceptable?
  8. What area of your life needs to be re-oriented or put back on track to a right relationship with God
  9. How does God rescue sinful broken people?
  10. How have you experienced Gods forgiveness personally? Do you feel equipped and prepared to share your story with others who need to be rescued?
  11. How are you living with a passion and zeal for the mission of Jesus to reach others?

Prayer Prompts

  • Take a moment and simply thank God for His justice and mercy.
  • Ask God to reveal any part of you that is displeasing to Him and needs to be confessed.
  • Take a few moments to examine those areas in your life where you have put up a façade and you are not being real with Jesus.
  • Ask Him to help you grow deeper in knowledge and intimacy of His character and love for you.
  • Pray for opportunities to convey His mercy and forgiveness through your story to others.
  • Ask God to give you a silence before Him so that you can sing and rejoice and not feel as though you have to make excuses before Him.
  • Pray and ask God to turn your complacency into confession and passion for the cause of Jesus Christ.