(remember, these are unedited/draft show notes, not a transcript — listening is always better…and if you listen AND follow along below, you’ll see how)
Focus Question:
What does Paul say is the consequence of your belief?
Intro:
If the Word is going to be sweet and life-giving to me, I must let it examine, search, and warn me. Do you let it? ~ Tim Keller
I love this quote. Because it’s hard truth — God’s word gets in our business…if we let it.
Yesterday we heard Paul argue that we are being transformed, and today begins with the word “therefore,” so now he delivers the payload of what this should mean in our lives. And here’s what to listen for…what does Paul say is the consequence of your belief?
New Testament segment:
Passage: 2 Corinthians 4
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 21
Words: ~445
For Paul the gospel is not some abstract theory that can be accepted and hidden away in the heart. It requires proclamation, and proclaiming it to a hostile world is perilous. Paul does not shrink from speaking this gospel boldly to unbelievers and to any believers who get out of line, whatever the consequences, because this is his calling in Christ.(1)
So now on to the next minor prophet, Zephaniah who, to place him in history, is about the time of king Josiah that we read about in 2 Kings. And this is about the same time as Nahum, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah (which we’ll start tomorrow).
Zephaniah’s focus, like that of the prophet Joel, is the “Day of YHWH” or the “Day of the Lord.”
The announcement of God’s impending judgment on mankind in general (1:2–3), and on his people Judah in particular (1:4–6), leads to a consideration of that aspect of the Day of the Lord (1:8–18; 2:4–3:8). This day is near (1:7, 14)—near and getting rapidly nearer. It is being precipitated by the sins of Yahweh’s covenant people, Israel, as well as the wrongs of mankind at large.(2)
See you on the other side.
Old Testament segment:
Passage: Zephaniah
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 53
Words: ~1556
So…
Those who seek the Lord diligently with humble trust, longing for the day of His redemption, will be sheltered in that day. Then they will rejoice in His loving presence.(3)
Wisdom segment:
Passage: Proverbs 15:6-7
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 2
Words: ~32
The bottom line:
17 The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.” Zep 3:17, CSB
And what happens to us when we fall in love like that? Tell other the good news, because the grace that has been shown us can’t help but bubble over.
Love you!
Roger
ForTheHope is a daily audio Bible + apologetics podcast and blog. We’ve got a passion for just keepin’ it real, having conversations like normal people, and living out the love of Jesus better every single day.
Roger Courville, CSP is a globally-recognized expert in digitally-extended communication and connection, an award-winning speaker, award-winning author, and a passionately bad guitarist. Follow him on Twitter -- @RogerCourville and @JoinForTheHope – or his blog: www.forthehope.org.
Sources and resources:
(1) David E. Garland, 2 Corinthians, vol. 29, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 235.
(2) David W. Baker, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 27, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 81.
(3) David S. Dockery, ed., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 491.