Judgment and Hope: Embracing God's Purification
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate two significant elements of our faith: communion and child dedication. Child dedication is not about salvation or making deals with God for a perfect child. Instead, it is a biblical concept where parents commit to raising their child with God on the throne of their parenting, making it as easy as possible for the child to grow up in the faith. We dedicated little Hannah Isabel La Grata, praying for her to know and follow God throughout her life.
We then delved into the book of Zephaniah, one of the minor prophets, to explore the concept of the "Day of the Lord." This term signifies a pivotal moment when God intervenes decisively in human history, often bringing judgment and sometimes salvation. Zephaniah's prophecy is divided into three parts: judgment against Jerusalem and Judah, judgment against the nations including Jerusalem, and a promise of hope and salvation.
Zephaniah warns of a coming judgment where God will bring destruction to Jerusalem and its corrupt systems. However, he also offers hope, stating that those who humble themselves and seek the Lord may be spared. The prophecy extends to other nations, emphasizing that God's judgment is universal. Yet, amidst the fire of destruction, there is also a fire of purification. God promises to purify the speech of all people so that they can worship Him together, creating a new community of humble and faithful followers.
This duality of God's justice and love is crucial. The fire of judgment is also a fire of purification, meant to refine us until God can see His image in us. This process calls us to humble ourselves before God and join Him in His mission to reconcile all things to Himself. We are encouraged to live the Jesus way, loving God and our neighbors, and participating in God's redemptive work.
### Key Takeaways
1. Child Dedication and Parenting: Child dedication is a commitment by parents to raise their child with God at the center of their parenting. It is not about guaranteeing a perfect child but about creating an environment where the child can grow in faith. This act acknowledges that parenting is a communal effort, requiring the support of the church community. [34:17]
2. The Day of the Lord: The "Day of the Lord" is a significant theological concept in the minor prophets, representing moments when God intervenes decisively in human history. These interventions can bring judgment or salvation, often both. Understanding this helps us see God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for justice and redemption. [51:12]
3. Judgment and Hope: Zephaniah's prophecy highlights the dual nature of God's intervention—judgment and hope. While God promises to bring destruction to the corrupt systems of Jerusalem and other nations, He also offers hope to those who humble themselves and seek Him. This duality shows that God's judgment is not the end but a means to purification and renewal. [59:35]
4. Fire of Purification: The fire mentioned in Zephaniah is not just a fire of destruction but also a fire of purification. This fire aims to refine us, removing impurities until God can see His image in us. This process, though painful, is essential for our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [01:00:41]
5. Living the Jesus Way: We are called to humble ourselves before God and live according to the teachings of Jesus. This involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. By doing so, we join God in His mission to reconcile all things to Himself, creating a community that reflects His love and justice. [01:10:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:46] - Introduction to Child Dedication
[32:57] - What Child Dedication Is and Isn't
[34:17] - Biblical Basis for Child Dedication
[35:26] - Making Faith the Default Position
[36:49] - Dedication of Hannah Isabel La Grata
[38:09] - Prayer of Dedication
[39:35] - Transition to Sermon
[40:48] - Introduction to Minor Prophets
[41:53] - The Concept of Fire
[44:37] - Where is God in the Fire?
[46:24] - Zephaniah's Prophecy
[49:35] - The Day of the Lord
[51:12] - Judgment and Salvation
[55:18] - Seek the Lord
[56:12] - Judgment on Nations and Jerusalem
[59:35] - Promise of Hope
[01:00:41] - Fire of Purification
[01:03:02] - Isaiah's Vision and Purification
[01:05:25] - Abraham's Promise and New Community
[01:07:33] - Refining Silver Parable
[01:09:16] - Humble Yourself and Join God's Mission
[01:10:28] - Living the Jesus Way
[01:12:34] - Communion Instructions
[01:19:19] - Communion Reflection
[01:21:14] - Prayer and Final Song
[01:26:42] - Closing and Prayer Partners
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Zephaniah 1:2-3 (NIV)
> "I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth," declares the Lord. "I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea—and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble. When I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth," declares the Lord.
2. Zephaniah 3:9 (NIV)
> "Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder."
3. Malachi 3:3 (NIV)
> "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of child dedication according to the sermon? How does it differ from salvation? [[32:57]]
2. What does the "Day of the Lord" signify in the book of Zephaniah? [[49:35]]
3. How does Zephaniah describe the judgment that will come upon Jerusalem and Judah? [[53:08]]
4. What is the dual nature of the fire mentioned in Zephaniah's prophecy? [[01:00:41]]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for parents to place God on the throne of their parenting during child dedication? How does this impact the child's faith journey? [[35:26]]
2. How does the concept of the "Day of the Lord" help us understand God's sovereignty and His plan for justice and redemption? [[51:12]]
3. In what ways does the fire of purification differ from the fire of destruction, and why is this distinction significant for our spiritual growth? [[01:00:41]]
4. How does Zephaniah's prophecy of hope and purification reflect God's ultimate plan for a new community of humble and faithful followers? [[01:01:13]]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own parenting or influence over children. How can you ensure that God is at the center of your guidance and decisions? [[35:26]]
2. The "Day of the Lord" brings both judgment and salvation. How can you prepare yourself spiritually for God's intervention in your life? [[51:12]]
3. Zephaniah calls for humility and seeking the Lord to be spared from judgment. What practical steps can you take to humble yourself and seek God more earnestly? [[56:12]]
4. The fire of purification is meant to refine us. Identify an area in your life where you feel God is refining you. How can you cooperate with this process? [[01:00:41]]
5. Living the Jesus way involves loving God and our neighbors. Think of a specific neighbor or community member you can show love to this week. What action will you take? [[01:10:28]]
6. How can you join God in His mission to reconcile all things to Himself? Identify one specific way you can contribute to this mission in your daily life. [[01:10:28]]
7. Reflect on the idea of God seeing His image in you. What changes do you need to make in your life to better reflect God's image? [[01:09:16]]
Devotional
Day 1: Commitment to God-Centered Parenting
Child dedication is a profound commitment by parents to raise their child with God at the center of their parenting. It is not about ensuring a perfect child or making deals with God but about creating an environment where the child can grow in faith. This act acknowledges that parenting is a communal effort, requiring the support of the church community. By dedicating their child, parents are publicly declaring their intention to guide their child in the ways of the Lord, making it as easy as possible for the child to know and follow God throughout their life. [34:17]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you incorporate daily practices that reflect God's presence in your parenting or interactions with children in your community?
Day 2: Understanding the Day of the Lord
The "Day of the Lord" is a significant theological concept in the minor prophets, representing moments when God intervenes decisively in human history. These interventions can bring judgment or salvation, often both. Understanding this helps us see God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for justice and redemption. The Day of the Lord is a reminder that God is actively involved in the world, working to bring about His purposes. It calls us to live with an awareness of God's ongoing work in history and in our lives. [51:12]
Joel 2:31-32 (ESV): "The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Reflection: How does the concept of the Day of the Lord influence your understanding of God's justice and mercy in your life today?
Day 3: Embracing Judgment and Hope
Zephaniah's prophecy highlights the dual nature of God's intervention—judgment and hope. While God promises to bring destruction to the corrupt systems of Jerusalem and other nations, He also offers hope to those who humble themselves and seek Him. This duality shows that God's judgment is not the end but a means to purification and renewal. It is a call to repentance and a reminder that God's ultimate goal is to restore and redeem. By embracing both aspects, we can better understand the fullness of God's character and His plan for our lives. [59:35]
Zephaniah 2:3 (ESV): "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek humility and repentance to experience God's hope and renewal?
Day 4: The Fire of Purification
The fire mentioned in Zephaniah is not just a fire of destruction but also a fire of purification. This fire aims to refine us, removing impurities until God can see His image in us. This process, though painful, is essential for our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. It calls us to embrace the refining work of God in our lives, trusting that He is working to make us more like Him. By submitting to this process, we allow God to transform us and prepare us for His purposes. [01:00:41]
Malachi 3:2-3 (ESV): "But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord."
Reflection: What impurities in your life do you need to surrender to God's refining fire, and how can you actively participate in this purification process?
Day 5: Living the Jesus Way
We are called to humble ourselves before God and live according to the teachings of Jesus. This involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. By doing so, we join God in His mission to reconcile all things to Himself, creating a community that reflects His love and justice. Living the Jesus way means embodying His values and priorities in our daily lives, making a tangible difference in the world around us. It is a call to active discipleship and participation in God's redemptive work. [01:10:28]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you intentionally live out the teachings of Jesus in your interactions with others today, and what specific actions can you take to reflect His love and justice?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is on an eternal mission to reconcile all things to himself through the person and work of his son, Jesus Christ. So that one day, there will be worshipers gathered around the throne of King Jesus of every kindred and every tribe and every tongue and every nation, worshiping King Jesus." [01:10:28] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Humbly call on God, no matter who you are, or what your past or your present, and let him determine your future, and join him. Because he is on a mission, and he is purifying and refining things until he can see his image in them. May that be said of us as a church." [01:10:59] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The message in there is so profound. I love that God doesn't require us to get all righteousness fully sorted out before we can come to him. He takes care of it. And so come as you are." [01:19:19] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He came and he lived the life we were supposed to, but couldn't. He died the death we were supposed to, but don't have to. He rose again. He gave his power. All power has been given to me in heaven and on earth. I give it to you. Go and make disciples of every where and of everyone, teaching them to observe all things I have taught you." [01:12:11] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What you are doing as a child dedication is you are purposely putting God on the throne of your parenting. And on the throne of the child's life. Understanding that it will be their decision for the rest of their life of if they will keep him there or if they will, and that's the battle we all face. But you're putting God on the throne of your parenting." [34:17] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The fire may come as justification and purification or it might come as destruction and condemnation, but it's coming from God. It is one thing. God is on a mission to reconcile all things to himself. And so the fire is not the end. The fire is a means to the end. It is a means to purify his people." [01:07:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When does God know that the fire has gone from condemnation and judgment to purification? When he can see his image in us. When he can see his image in his people. And then he goes, mission accomplished. And he pulls it out. And on the other side, what do you have? A humble people." [01:09:16] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Humble yourself before God and call on him as part of the faithful remnant that we claim to be. Don't become proud in our righteousness. That would be the Pharisee from last week. Humble yourself. That would be the tax collector from last week. And so our parables start to tie into the mind of prophets." [01:10:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is on an eternal mission to reconcile all things to himself through the person and work of his son, Jesus Christ. So that one day, there will be worshipers gathered around the throne of King Jesus of every kindred and every tribe and every tongue and every nation, worshiping King Jesus." [01:10:28] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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