The Book of Zephaniah

The Book of Zephaniah - NextLevel Online curriculum

Lessons

Zephaniah epitomizes the term Minor Prophet, easily forgotten and often overlooked, yet his short book carries a sweeping message of judgment and hope. In this five session series, Dr. Jason Poznich of Ozark Christian College walks verse by verse through the book of Zephaniah, from the prophet's royal lineage and the coming day of the Lord, through God's judgment on the nations and on Jerusalem, to the closing call to celebrate what judgment accomplishes: a people purified, restored, and rejoiced over by their God. Each session includes a teaching outline and discussion questions, making it ideal for small groups, classes, and personal study.

Session 1

Zephaniah 1:1-6

Zephaniah may be the most overlooked of the Minor Prophets, yet he has the longest recorded genealogy of any prophet. This session introduces his possible royal lineage, the reign of King Josiah, and an opening message of judgment that sounds like a reversal of creation.

Session 2

Zephaniah 1:7-2:3

How long do we have, and can judgment be avoided? This session walks through the nearness of the day of the Lord for the powerful, the false worshipers, and the complacent, and Zephaniah's call to seek the Lord in humility before it arrives.

Session 3

Zephaniah 2:4-15

Zephaniah announces judgment on the nations surrounding Judah: Philistia to the west, Moab and Ammon to the east, Cush to the south, and Assyria to the north. This session asks what Judah, and we, should learn from watching God judge the nations.

Session 4

Zephaniah 3:1-8

Judah heard the judgments against the nations and assumed they were safe. This session shows how Zephaniah turns the spotlight on Jerusalem itself, its officials, prophets, and priests, and God's persistent justice in the midst of corruption.

Session 5

Zephaniah 3:9-20

Zephaniah is filled with judgment, yet it ends with a call to celebrate. This session explores what judgment accomplishes: purified peoples, restored worship, and a God who rejoices over his people with singing.