A Brand New Community
Nothing Holding Us Back - God's Remnant People - A Transformed Remnant • Sermon • Submitted
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8 “Therefore wait for Me,” declares the Lord, “For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal. 9 “For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, That all of them may call on the name of the Lord, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder. 10 “From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, My dispersed ones, Will bring My offerings. 11 “In that day you will feel no shame Because of all your deeds By which you have rebelled against Me; For then I will remove from your midst Your proud, exulting ones, And you will never again be haughty On My holy mountain. 12 “But I will leave among you A humble and lowly people, And they will take refuge in the name of the Lord. 13 “The remnant of Israel will do no wrong And tell no lies, Nor will a deceitful tongue Be found in their mouths; For they will feed and lie down With no one to make them tremble.”
New People Added
Who are converted by GOD
Who worship in unity
New Attitude Displayed
No more arrogance
Full of humility
Full of faith
Full of righteousness
Assured of safety
New People Added
When we experience periods of vast devastation and many trials, which we know impact life in general, and the people of GOD, it is an opportunity for reshaping the community. Zephaniah, just like the other preexilic prophets, spoke of upcoming judgment. But he too gave hope. But not just to Judah, but also to other nations. While God’s judgment was upon sin, it was also a means to recreate his people.
Application: Just as the Church did in Acts 8, after experiencing persecution, they went out preaching the word. Likewise, we should see these times as GOD creating a door for new people.
Who are converted by GOD
How do we know that Bro Evans? The first divine action Zephaniah mentions is toward people who were formerly not of Israel. His action is to purify or change change their speech to a pure one.
Application: If you have observed all this devastation, and also contemplated your own life and the fate, that’s GOD knocking on your door. GOD wants to bring a change in your life, and wants you to welcome his power to do so. Furthermore, we as the people of GOD, must also stay ready to operate in the will and power of GOD to convert people. And that’s the power of the message of Christ.
Who worship in unity
Why is it that GOD will change the speech of the nations, who have been against him their whole lives? Zephaniah says so they can call (to establish contact) on him appropriately. Also to worship peacefully and in unity.
Application: I believe GOD is opening a door for you to access and be in a solid relationship with him. You many not be a part of any assembly, and you see chaos and division and destruction in the world. He’s offering you peace and a community that is unified. Also, that means we must continue serving outside four walls.
New Attitude Displayed
Zephaniah then switches from third person speech, that is of other nations, to second person, that is to Judah. Then speaks of the new attitude expected, based on what he will do to his people.
No more arrogance
There would be a new day, for a new attitude. One without shame from previous sins. How? Because GOD will remove or distance all pride and arrogance from the community. One which people thought they were so great.
Application: This means GOD expects us not to be arrogant, priding ourselves on self achievements. The problem with pride, won’t listen to GOD.
Full of humility
GOD will intentionally leave or cause to remain a humble and lowly people. Who are poor and afflicted in spirit.
Application: GOD expects humility from us, an attitude which we don’t think we’re all that. Because then, and only then will we listen and submit to him.
Full of faith
Not only humility, but also faith. Because he says those same humble ones will take refuge in him.
Application: If we are his true remnant, it means we have growing faith, that finds shelter under him during these storms!!
Full of righteousness
GOD denies some behaviors for the remnant, that being injustice and lies. Encompassing every day lies to ones neighbor, backstabbing, and lies taught about GOD, which is what prophet and priest were doing for popularity and money.
Application: This means GOD wants us to speak truth with him, for he knows all things. As well as speak truth to one another in love. And not claim we’re cool, when in our hearts, we dislike a person.
Assured of safety
Lastly, the remnant would be able to relax and eat comfortably, not hesitant or fearful of threats, lies, attitudes from anyone, because they know GOD shepherds them in love and brings justice every day (v. 5).
Application: This again speaks of the violent attitude leaders and servants had toward their own people (v. 3-4). When sheep aren’t happy or feel unsafe, they won’t eat or lie down. When those attitudes are removed, people feel safe, and will happily eat and enjoy every blessing from GOD.
God’s remnant people are a new community, opening the door for newcomers, and a new attitude toward all who are in God’s sheep fold. Attitudes that truly reflect the character of Christ!! Will you submit to GOD, and commit to being his new community?