June 20, 2004

Rev. Rurel Ausley

Jonah: From A Fool To A Follower
Jonah 1:1-12

1. Have you ever been the victim of a good April Fool’s joke? Or, for whatever reason, through some action that you did you felt "foolish" in retrospect? What is Webster's definition of "fool"? In what ways does the Bible call some people "fools"? (Ps. 14:1; Prov. 12:15; 29:11; Luke 12:20; Prov. 14:9) So, according to these scriptures, what is a "fool" according to the Bible? How did Saul see himself in regards to actions towards David? (1 Sam.26:21)

2. How did Jonah behave foolishly? (Jonah 1) Why is it foolish to run away from God? What was Jonah told to do? What did he do instead? How foolish can we humans be to think that all we have to do to escape God is to run away? How does this describe many people? Both inside and outside of the church? How can we escape God? (Psalm 139:7-12) What ways have you tried to "run away" from God? Where are you now? In His presence? Or fleeing His presence? What were the consequences of Jonah running away from God? (Jonah 1:4-17) How did Jonah's sin affect others? How is it impossible to "sin privately"? (Joshua 7:1; 22:20)

3. Notice in Jonah 2 now, Jonah is running back to God! What was Jonah's response to all of the consequences he was experiencing? (2:1) How did Jonah "connect the dots" that his distress was caused by his own disobedience? (2:2-4) How do you think prayer helped Jonah see God behind his circumstances? How have circumstances helped you turn to God? Not all circumstances are a direct result of our sin…please know that. (John 9:1-5) What commitment did Jonah come to? (2:9) What was God's response to Jonah's prayer and repentance? (2:10)

4. Notice in Jonah 3 now, Jonah is running with God! How does God give us a second chance? (3:1) What does this say to you about God's character? What does the Parable of the Prodigal Son have to say about second chances? (Luke 15) What are Jonah's instructions this time? (3:2) Did the instructions change? What does this say about us getting back on track with God? Where did the prodigal son go to make things right? We get back on track where we got off!!

5. Notice in Jonah 4 now, Jonah is running ahead of God! Why is Jonah angry? How does Jonah have great theology but poor application? (4:2-3) How does Jonah have the right words, but the wrong heart? What right did he have to be angry after God had extended such compassion to him? Remember another parable about this? (Matt. 18:23-35) In what ways might we run ahead of God if we are not careful? How can we dot every theological "t" and still be a great distance from God? (Mark 7:15-16) What might need to take place in your heart today to be running with God?