Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Zephaniah 3:14-20), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [14-15] Jesus said to his disciples, just before his death and resurrection, “You have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:24). Are you ever, in your relationship with the risen and exalted Christ, moved to an emotional expression of joy? What are the most common emotions you experience with regard to him? Do you need to stop sinning before you experience spiritual joy? Why is joy an appropriate response to the Gospel?

• [17] God is a joyful Savior! What is divine joy? Why is God joyful? Why does God rejoice over you? How can you be sure that he “rejoices over you with gladness”?

• [18-20] God gathers us together for festival joy. Gospel restoration will include the world knowing we celebrate our relationships to God and each other in Christ. What do you think is the world’s impression of “the Church”? Of your particular church? What needs to happen in order for us to be “renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth”?