An afflicted and poor people

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. (Zephaniah 3:12) *1/ Where God's people are to be found - In the midst of thee - The nations. 2/ The description of God's people - afflicted and poor. 3/ What good is said of them - they shall trust in the name of the LORD.* ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached on Lord's Day afternoon at Zoar Chapel, The Dicker, in Hailsham East Sussex. ~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the enduring truth that, amidst a world marked by widespread wickedness and spiritual decline, God preserves a remnant—afflicted and poor in spirit yet trusting in His name. Drawing from Zephaniah's prophecy and biblical examples like Noah, Lot, and the faithful in Israel, it emphasizes that God's people are not defined by worldly success or numbers, but by their dependence on His grace and righteousness. Though they endure suffering, persecution, and inner spiritual conflict, their identity is rooted in Christ alone, who is their refuge, wisdom, righteousness, and salvation. The passage affirms that true faith is not found in religious performance or prosperity, but in humility, repentance, and a daily reliance on Christ's finished work. Ultimately, the message is one of profound encouragement: God sees His people, sustains them in the midst of a hostile world, and will gather them home at the final day, assuring them of eternal security and divine honour.