Jonah 1

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Grace and Rebellion Jonah 1:1-17 Jonah is a classic example of someone called to be Godʼs ambassador who rebelled and refused. Yet as the story unfolds God graciously restores Jonah to the mission and he repents and reengages the mission [spoiler alert]. In what way is a believerʼs unwillingness to engage lost people like Jonahʼs rebellion?   Discussion Qs 1. In what way is a believerʼs unwillingness to engage lost people like Jonahʼs rebellion? 2. How does Godʼs sovereignty compel you to fulfill the Great Commission? [Mt. 28:18-20] 3. How might you need to repent [change your thinking about God and your rebellion] – generally and in regard to the Great Commission? 4. How will you reengage? What changes will you make to be a disciple who reaches the lost, and make disciples?

Pastor Robb Oram Mobil Ave. Campus subject: Jonahʼs rebellion & the Lordʼs pursuit objective: fulfill the Lordʼs mission for me

I. the Lord has a mission for each of us (v. 1-2) A. we are each called to become a disciple of Jesus “…you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1) “By this all will know that you are My disciples” (John 13:35) 1. we become disciples by repenting of our sins and putting our faith in Jesus

“Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying… ʻRepent, and believe in the gospel.ʼ” (Mark 1:15) B. we are each called to make disciples of Jesus “Go, therefore and make disciples…” (Jesus - Matt. 28:18)

II. we each must decide to accept or reject the Lordʼs mission (v. 3) A. God has given us free will B. accepting the Lordʼs mission requires faith, focus, & sacrifice

III. the Lord persistently pursues us to get us on mission (vv. 4-17) A. the Lord works in our lives to draw us back to him 1. He works in our circumstances 2. He works in the people around us 3. He works in our hearts

Pastor Bruce Zachary Lewis Rd. Campus Subject: Jonahʼs rebellion, realization, and reflection Object: Become a disciple + reach the lost + make disciples

A. Rebellion [1-3] 1. The call to be Godʼs ambassador [1-2] v.1 Jonah: [dove], prophet to Israel [2Ki.14:25], receives message from God v.2 Nineveh that great city: 100ʼ high wall, width = 3 chariots, 60 mi. radius, pop =3/4 mil., wickedness: renown cruelty –pyramids of skulls , furniture of human skins note: God loves the wicked Assyrians, & the Hebrews are not as righteous as they think [** go to Berlin in WWII]

2. The refusal [3] v.3 Tarshish: Spain, opposite direction, wants to flee Godʼs call/mission, rejects ministry; [Ps.139:7-12 cf. Jonah knows God is everywhere a. When you refuse God you imply that you are right: Jonah fears Godʼs mercy to Ninevites more than fears what they might do to him [4:2] b. When you refuse God you regress: down: 4x [2x v. 3,5]. Whenever you rebel against God you go down spiritually [wonʼt get you where you need to go] c. When you refuse God you always pay a price [3] paid the fare: ? In what way is a believerʼs unwillingness to engage lost people like Jonahʼs rebellion?

B. Realization [4-9] Realize that God is sovereign [Matt. 28:18-20] 1. Realize that God is in control [4-7] v.4 great storm threatens the ship & sailorsʼ lives, very unusual in sailing season v.5 Sailors call on their god(s): Greeks –Poseidon, Neptune, cf. God in control v.6 Captain urges Jonah to call on his God so that they might survive the storm v.7 rabbinic tradition: 10 nations of men rep by crew. Cf. heathen gods powerless Pr.16:33 the lot is cast into the lap but its every decision is from the Lord Note: not all storms re rebellion, some to display Godʼs glory & strength [Mt.14] 2. Realize rebellion [5-7] v.5-6 Jonah slept: exhausted, peace, apathy – knows God is in control [prophet] a. When called to share Godʼs message and you sleep its rebellion i. Life-threatening situation and Jonah is sleeping ii. Others suffer because of the rebellion 3. Realize who and what you are [8-9] v.8 sailors wonder what Jonah has done to cause the storm. I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven … [9] a. Who and what are you? Are you a disciple of Christ? Is He your Lord? b. How does Godʼs sovereignty compel you to fulfill the Great Commission? [Mt. 28]

C. Reflection [10-17]:

1. The sailors [10-16]: a. Connect the storm & Jonahʼs rebellion [10-12] sailors connect storm & Jonahʼs fleeing from the presence of the Lord [rebellion] i. They want to stop the storm but not offend Jonahʼs God [11] b. Conclude that God is sovereign [13-15] sailors despise tossing him overboard > struggle to row out of storm v.14 sailor call out to YHWH: pray, acknowledge God &ask not to be held resp for his life since seeking to do Godʼs will re the prophet v.15 storm immediately stopped [Lu.8:24 re Jesus] c. Commit to YHWH as God [Repentance] [16] sailors feared the Lord: reverence, offered sacrifice & made vows: worship -> submission note: The sailors had a story to share … Likely told lots of people! 2. Jonah [12,17]: a. Jonah needed to reflect not react [12] Jonah tells them to toss him overboard & the sea will become calm, he knows the storm is re his rebellion. Wrong reaction … i. Why doesnʼt Jonah say sail north to Nineveh? Cf. heʼd rather die than preach to Nineveh & have them repent & receive Godʼs mercy. b. God graciously restores Jonah to the mission [cf. God had every rt. to judge] i. God wants to change our perspective to align with His [17] Time with God ii. Jonah will repent, and reengage the mission [Will you?] What changes will you make to be a disciple who reaches the lost + make disciples? invite cards Overview: Themes: 1. God is grieved by sin but rejoices re repentance, 2. God is sovereign, 3. Repentance leads to life for Jew and Gentile. Literal – authenticated by Jesus [Matt. 12:38-41; 16:4]. Revival @ Nineveh = greatest in Scripture. Only time a prophet refused to deliver a message. Mercy triumphs over judgment [Ja. 2:13]. Yom Kippur yearly synagogue service re Jonah