NextLevel Online: The Book of Zephaniah

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.
Start Lesson
Zephaniah 1:1-6

Venue

 

Sections

Downloads

About

The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

Classroom Instructions

Lesson
19:00Session 1 Video - Zephaniah 1:1-6Session 1 Video - Zephaniah 1:1-6

Session Highlights: Zephaniah is a relatively unknown prophet. He epitomizes the term “Minor Prophet.” He is easily forgotten and often overlooked; however, he has the longest recorded genealogy of any of the prophets. I. Zephaniah’s Lineage (1:1) a. Zephaniah begins and ends by emphasizing that his words are God’s (1:1; 3:20). b. Zephaniah’s genealogy goes back to a man named Hezekiah. Is this King Hezekiah? i. Arguments against:

  1. Tradition
  2. Title-he is not called king
  3. Generations: there are 3 generations between Hezekiah and Zephaniah but only 2 between Hezekiah and Josiah.
  4. Name-The Bible doesn’t mention King Hezekiah having a son named Amariah ii. Arguments for:
  5. Parallels-both Hezkeiah and Josiah made significant reforms
  6. A clay seal from Hezekiah’s time mentions Amariah, son of the king. c. King Josiah’s reign (640-609 BC) i. Key Dates:
  7. 628 BC: removal of Baal worship
  8. 621 BC: major reforms
  9. 612 BC: defeat of Nineveh II. Zephaniah’s message (2-6) a. God’s judgment is a reversal of creation (2-3a) b. Judah will not escape (3b-6) Questions for Discussion/Reflection:
  10. Before beginning this study, what did you know about the book of Zephaniah? Have you ever heard a sermon or lesson over any of it?
  11. Based on the arguments you heard, do you think Zephaniah was a descendant of King Hezekiah? Why or why not?
  12. Why would God want Zephaniah to begin his message with language that sounds like a reversal of creation and a second worldwide flood?
  13. What does the strong language of judgment suggest about the seriousness of sin, particularly the sin of idolatry?
  14. Zephaniah offered six indictments against Judah (Baal worship, idolatrous priests, astrology, mixed worship, turning away from God, acting like God can’t do anything). Which do you find most common in our culture, and where do they show up?
  15. Of the indictments against Judah, which ones do you believe could be brought against you personally? In what ways have you acted like the people of Judah?

Zephaniah 1:1-6 Instructions

Lesson
19:00Session 1 Video - Zephaniah 1:1-6Session 1 Video - Zephaniah 1:1-6

Session Highlights: Zephaniah is a relatively unknown prophet. He epitomizes the term “Minor Prophet.” He is easily forgotten and often overlooked; however, he has the longest recorded genealogy of any of the prophets. I. Zephaniah’s Lineage (1:1) a. Zephaniah begins and ends by emphasizing that his words are God’s (1:1; 3:20). b. Zephaniah’s genealogy goes back to a man named Hezekiah. Is this King Hezekiah? i. Arguments against:

  1. Tradition
  2. Title-he is not called king
  3. Generations: there are 3 generations between Hezekiah and Zephaniah but only 2 between Hezekiah and Josiah.
  4. Name-The Bible doesn’t mention King Hezekiah having a son named Amariah ii. Arguments for:
  5. Parallels-both Hezkeiah and Josiah made significant reforms
  6. A clay seal from Hezekiah’s time mentions Amariah, son of the king. c. King Josiah’s reign (640-609 BC) i. Key Dates:
  7. 628 BC: removal of Baal worship
  8. 621 BC: major reforms
  9. 612 BC: defeat of Nineveh II. Zephaniah’s message (2-6) a. God’s judgment is a reversal of creation (2-3a) b. Judah will not escape (3b-6) Questions for Discussion/Reflection:
  10. Before beginning this study, what did you know about the book of Zephaniah? Have you ever heard a sermon or lesson over any of it?
  11. Based on the arguments you heard, do you think Zephaniah was a descendant of King Hezekiah? Why or why not?
  12. Why would God want Zephaniah to begin his message with language that sounds like a reversal of creation and a second worldwide flood?
  13. What does the strong language of judgment suggest about the seriousness of sin, particularly the sin of idolatry?
  14. Zephaniah offered six indictments against Judah (Baal worship, idolatrous priests, astrology, mixed worship, turning away from God, acting like God can’t do anything). Which do you find most common in our culture, and where do they show up?
  15. Of the indictments against Judah, which ones do you believe could be brought against you personally? In what ways have you acted like the people of Judah?