JONAH

SURVIVING THE STORM

Surviving the Storm: Lessons Before, During and After Any Storm

-written by Pastor Kristin Johnson

Based on the Book of Jonah

Dates September 11, 2024- October 16, 2024 6 weeks

The purpose of the series is to help students make the connection between natural and spiritual storms in life. There are lessons to learn whether they are physical acts of nature or uncontrollable situations in life. God is speaking, and he is with us no matter the circumstance; We have a chance to listen and learn.

In preparation for seasons in nature, preparedness plans are implemented to keep people safe. Knowing what to look and listen for before, during, and after the storm is important.

Preparation plans for our spiritual storms are always necessary and available when we listen to God.

Using the book of Jonah, teachers will guide students through Jonah’s adventures with God.

God often uses storms to get our attention. God is always in control whether he needs you to do something, demonstrate his ability to protect, show his power, correct your disobedience, or show his love, mercy, and grace.

This 6-week series will help classes reflect on how they handle storms and what plans need to be implemented to adapt for survival when necessary.

Week 1-Diagnosing the Storm!

Opening: Game -Have a person come up with clues or the class to guess types of storms

(Tornadoes

1. A mobile, destructive vortex of violently rotating winds having the appearance of a funnel-shapedcloud and advancing beneath a large storm system.

WHO AM I?_____________________________________________

( Hurricanes

2. A wind of force 12 on the Beaufort scale (equal to or exceeding 64 knots or 74 mph). WHO AM I?___________________________________________

( Sand storms

3. A strong wind carrying clouds of sand with it, especially in a desert

WHO AM I?_____________________________________________

( Tsunamis

4. A long high sea wave caused by an earthquake, submarine landslide, or other disturbance.

WHO AM I?_____________________________________________

( Floods

5. An overflow of water onto normally dry land

WHO AM I?_____________________________________________

What are some of the effects of storms and the feelings often associated with them.

JOB 16:1-11,

Storms in the Bible ( examples )

Noah - GENESIS 7 & 8

Disciples in the boat - MARK4:35-41;

PAUL - ACTS 27,

Define and Discuss the similarities and differences between natural and spiritual storms.

SIMILARITIES

1. Disruption,Unpredictability,Intensity, Need for shelter

2. Potential Growth

DIFFERENCES

1. Natural storms affect the physical world. Spiritual storms affect the non-physical aspect of life such as EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, SPIRITUAL BELIEFS

2. PERCEPTION - NATURAL STORMS ARE PERCEIVED SIMILARLY ACROSS MOST CULTURES AND SOCIETIES

SPIRITUAL STORMS ARE SUBJECTIVE AND CAN VARY WIDELY DEPENDING ON INDIVIDUAL BELIEFS, RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL VIEWS AND CULTURAL CONTES

What comes to mind when you hear about the book of Jonah in the Bible?

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Look at Acts 9:10–16 ; Jonah 3:10; 4:1-3;

Read Jonah 1:1-1:17

Who is Jonah?

___________________________________________________________

Was Jonah’s storm physical? Spiritual? What could have been the purpose of the storm?

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Homework

Think about storms you’ve experienced. Were they self-inflicted or God-ordained?

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Reread Jonah 1 and read Jonah 2.

Week 2: Preparing for the Storm - Obedience Genesis 6:11-9:19;

Many prophets serve as models of God’s righteousness, but Jonah can’t be counted among them. He was self-centered, took God’s provisions for granted and pouted when God didn’t act the way he wanted. His priorities were centered on his own comfort and desires. Yet by revealing all his faults, Jonah points to the qualities that followers of God should exhibit instead—obedience, selflessness, thankfulness and compassion.

Jonah’s mismatched priorities should inspire us to make sure that we have the same concerns as God, who “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). May we marvel at God’s forgiveness and mercy and celebrate with Him when our enemies come to know Him.

(this is the major issue in the book of Jonah. Jonah does not want his enemy to receive GOD’S mercy!) Mathew 6:12;14-15

WHO WAS THE ASSYRIANS

ISAIAH 10:5-7;12-13;

Nineveh is the capitol of Assyria. The Assyria was a militaristic society with a reputation for violence and cruelty in warfare. Their religion was polytheistic (MORE THAN 1 GOD).

WHO IS JONAH?

5TH OF MINOR PROPHETS THAT PROPHESIED DURING THE REIGN OF JEROBOAM THE II AND GOD ALSO SENT TO PROPHESY TO NINEVEH

2 KINGS 14:23 Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, began to rule over Israel in the fifteenth year of King Amaziah’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria forty-one years. 24 He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had led Israel to commit. 25 Jeroboam II recovered the territories of Israel between Lebo-hamath and the Dead Sea, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised through Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher.

JONAH = “DOVE” THE CORRELATION IS BECAUSE HE TOOK FLIGHT FROM GOD VS. 3 )

Opening: You have three things to take to prepare for the storm. What are you taking with you?

1._________________, 2._________________, 3._________________

Review Week 1 Discuss homework.

Think about storms you’ve experienced. Were they self-inflicted or God-ordained?

___________________________________________________________

Reread Jonah 1 and read Jonah 2.

The story of Jonah being swallowed by a “great fish” is familiar enough that we might be tempted to skim the text. As you read the book of Jonah, imagine you are encountering it for the first time. At different junctures, pause and ask yourself what you expect to happen next. How does the story defy your expectations? What details had you not noticed before? How do they add to your understanding of the book?

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When we read narrative, it is important that we pay attention to character portrayal. Does Jonah measure up to the expectations you have for a prophet? Are Jonah’s responses to God’s instructions and actions fitting for his role? ch 1:3; 5b (what’s wrong with Jonah’s statement in vs. 9?) (What posture did Jonah take in vs. 12?)

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How does Jonah interact with God? Consider the sailors and the people of Nineveh. How do their responses to God differ from Jonah’s? ch. 1:14-16

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Discuss the following:

Why was Jonah chosen for this storm?

What was Jonah’s response to God?

Jonah received a directive from God and chose to run from it.

Was he afraid of the discomfort of a storm?

Based on Jonah’s story so far how would you respond to a directive from God if When we are forewarned about storms, what is our response? Fear or obedience?

Do natural storms lead to spiritual storms? Vice-versa?

How did Jonah’s disobedience to direction change his path?

Activity / Homework suggestion: Create a disaster preparedness plan.

What can you do spiritually to prepare for any storm?

Homework: Review Jonah 1 and 2. Read Jonah 3. Journal any questions or observations that come to mind.

Week 3: Faith During the Storm - Jonah

Opening: Nowhere to go.

Can you think of I time that you were backed into a place that only God can get you out of? Share.

Review Week 2 and homework

Share questions and comments about Jonah 1-3.

Discussion -Jonah’s faith

What fueled Jonah’s actions? Fear or faith? How did God respond? What is the meaning of the giant fish? Was Jonah’s faith ever strengthened? How? Proof? How did God respond to Jonah’s demonstration of faith? What was Jonah’s response to God’s mercy?

Activity: Connection: Life

How do we fit the cycle of fear -faith - mercy

What example of this cycle do we see in our lives?

Where is your Ninevah?

Homework: How do you respond to assignments that cause you discomfort or disruption? What happens when your personal views do not align with God’s?

Who has the last say?

Read Jonah 4

Week 4- Purpose of the storm: Traveling through Ninevah

Opening- Accepting the assignment: Have you ever reluctantly or excitedly accepted an assignment (work, family, church, or God) How did it go? (Share in pairs or small groups, then together)

Review (Last week and homework)

What was the purpose of Jonah’s assignment? (Salvation for Ninevites)

Activity -Make a timeline of events for Jonah’s travel to and through Ninevah.

What emotions did he experience? What character traits and flaws were noticeable Jonah? Was Jonah’s character the same as God’s - (he was used anyway) What obstacles were in the way? What was the result of the assignment?

Reflection: Write out your timeline for an assignment in which you had to share salvation with someone or a group of unbelievers. How were your experiences similar to or different than Jonah’s?

How did your life, words, and actions preach to people?

Homework - Reread Jonah. Journal questions, thoughts, and comment

Week 5: The Heart of God

Quote “The Bible is meant to glorify God, not man” unknown (You can discuss-man’s flaws are always brought to light because they are not perfect)

Have students discuss how God’s character supersedes Jonah’s

Focus on:

Similarities and differences between Jonah’s and God’s response to the people of Ninevah

How were the following shown:

Mercy Judgment Anger Love Second chances

How does mercy toward the Ninevites remind you of the mercy God shows the Israelites and ourselves

If we were left to the mercy of men and women how would our lives and journeys be different?

Week 6: Lessons and Life after the storm

Wrap up the series keeping these points in mind.

Some physical storms of nature challenge or strengthen our faith, or lead to spiritual storms.

Some storms are God ordained and we have to trust that he will bring us through because we know there is a purpose to glorify him and his power Some storms are self-initiated or initiated by others.

God always prepares us even when the storm isn’t announced Salvation (available to all), love, mercy, and obedience are key themes from the book of Jonah. Hearing God’s voice and obedience are necessary God gives second chances

Have students identify lessons learned from the book of Jonah and how they aid in survival in the stormy seasons of life.