Sunday School Lesson January 8, 2023
Subject: Joy in Place of Fear
The Point: Fear will be a thing of the past in God’s eternal kingdom.
Scriptures: Zephaniah 3:9-20
Study The Bible: Zephaniah 3:9-13
1). God will remove fear from those who humble themselves before Him.
- For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with a simple purpose.
- From beyond the rivers of Cush my supplicants, my dispersed people, will bring an offering to me.
- On that day you will not be put to shame because of everything you have done in rebelling against me. For then I will remove from among you your jubilant, arrogant people, and you will never again be haughty on my holy mountain.
- I will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will take refuge in the name of the Lord.
- The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or tell lies; a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will pasture and lie down, with nothing to make them afraid.
Lasting truths from: Zephaniah 3:9-13
* God does the work of restoration in people’s lives.
* God is calling all nations and peoples to join Him.
* Pride and arrogance have no place in the kingdom of God.
* People of God’s new Jerusalem will experience the absence of sin in their lives and enjoy His peace and rest.
2). God’s presence delivers His people through all harm.
Zephaniah 3:14-17
- Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!
- The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm.
- On that day it will be said to Jerusalem; “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.
- 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.”
Lasting truths from: Zephaniah 3:14-17
* It is the Lord’s desire to dwell among us.
* Eradicating fear is the work of God.
* God defends His people like a warrior.
* God’s motivation for His people is rooted entirely in love.
3). We will experience eternal restoration in God’s kingdom.
Zephaniah 3:18-20
- I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festival; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her;
- Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather the outcasts; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame.
- At that time I will bring you back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes. The Lord has spoken.
Lasting truth from: Zephaniah 3:18-20
* God personally takes responsibility for restoring His people and their lives.
* Injustice in the world is ultimately dealt with by God.
* Even the most worn down and disgraced can remain hopeful that God will restore them.
* God is the source of His people’s hope and joy.
* God is in the details of redeeming His people and rebuilding their lives.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What in your life specifically needs to become a “thing of the past” so that you can align with God’s call to remain humble and meek?
- How can Zephaniah 3:9-20 guide you toward a better mindset when facing threats that require God’s intervention?
- Who in your life specifically needs Jesus, as well as an awareness of His plan to eternally restore people? How might you us this study to share with this person?
- God uses several “I will” statements in this passage. Where in your life do you need to hear a specific “I will” statement from God? How do you need God to specifically intervene?
- How does knowing that believers will spend eternity with Jesus in a restored kingdom as His restored people influence your perspective on how you view and live in this world?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”