2. The Call for Repentance and Seeking the Lord Zeph. 1:1-18 = God’s judgment upon world & Judah Zeph. 2:4-15 = God’s judgment on heathen nations Zeph. 3:1-20 = Judah will not be spared, but salvation of the remnant is foretold Zeph. 2:1-3 = The Lord cries for His people to repent & seek Him

3. The Conditions for Repentance and Seeking the Lord Requires a sense of shame (2:1b; 3:5; cf. Jer. 6:15; 2 Thess. 3:14; Psa. 51:17) Requires a heart of humility (2:3; cf. Matt. 5:3; 23:12) Requires a desire to do right (2:3; cf. Matt. 5:6; 6:33; 7:21; Hos. 14:9) Requires a sense of urgency (2:2) –“Before the decree takes effect” (cf. 1:2-3) –“Before Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you” (cf. 1:4-6) –“Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you” (1:7-18) Requires action –Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of life –Regret (2 Cor. 7:10)  Resolution (Luke 15:18)  Reformation (2 Chr. 7:14)  Restitution (Ezek. 33:14-15)  Results (Acts 26:20)

4. The Consequences for Repentance and Seeking the Lord “It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger” (2:3) –Judah could be sheltered, if they would turn and seek For Christians: “Your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).

5. The Catalysts for Repentance and Seeking the Lord The wrath of God is a major motivation that leads to repentance & seeking Lord (Zeph. 1) The reward of God is a major motivation that leads to repentance & seek Lord (Zeph. 3) The goodness of God is a major motivation that leads to repent & seek Lord (Zeph. 1-3; Rom. 2:4) –“Riches of His goodness” (cf. Eph. 1:7) –“Riches of His forbearance” (cf. Rom. 3:25) –“Riches of His longsuffering” (cf. 2 Pet. 3:9, 15)

6. Seeking, Finding and Following the Lord on His Terms Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 8:24 Repent of your sins and turn to God – Luke 13:3 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10 Be immersed into Christ – Acts 2:38 –God will wash away your sins – Acts 22:16 –God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47 –God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Continually seek and serve the Lord – Matt. 6:33