1. Where is the Lord? (2:17-3:1)

Corruption and injustice were rampant; people called evil good and good, evil. They said, 'Where is the God of justice?' They thought that there would be no day of judgment. But the prophet promised that the Lord would surely come. God would send his messenger first, to prepare the way. (John the Baptist) Suddenly God whom they had wearied with their words would appear.

2. Who can endure the day of his coming? (2-5)

When God comes among sinful men, he is like a refiner's fire. We can prepare for his coming only by repenting. He purges sin and unrighteousness from his servant people, and restores them to worship and serve him. When Jesus comes again, he will come as Judge. Sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, those who defraud and oppress the weak, and those who have no fear of God will be burned up in the refiner's fire. Those who repent and accept God's way of forgiveness are refined and purified by the fire.

Application: Lord, purify me so that I may welcome Jesus when he comes again.
One Word: He is like a refiner's fire