260927 - Jonah 4 - Trust & Obey

Trust and Obey

Jonah 4:7-11

Observation:

1. What events occur in Jonah 4:7-11, and how does God use the plant, the worm, the wind, and His questions to contrast Jonah's concern for his own comfort with God's concern for Nineveh?

Interpretation Questions-Understanding God's Character

1. What does God's appointment of the worm and the scorching east wind reveal about His sovereignty over creation and circumstances?

2. What does God's repeated question-"Do you have good reason to be angry?"-reveal about His concern for Jonah's heart?

3. What contrast does God draw between Jonah's concern for the plant and His own concern for Nineveh?

4. What does the description of the Ninevites as people who "do not know the difference between their right hand and their left hand" reveal about God’s understanding of their spiritual condition?

5. Why does God mention the animals of Nineveh in His final question?

6. How does this passage show that God's mercy does not minimize Nineveh's sin but responds compassionately to its repentance?

The Character of God

1. What does God's patient questioning of Jonah reveal about His grace toward His disobedient servant?

Exodus 34:6;

Psalm 103:8-14;

Isaiah 42:3;

Romans 2:4;

2. What does God's mention of Nineveh's population and animals reveal about His knowledge and care for His creation?

Psalm 24:1;

Psalm 50:10-11;

Psalm 147:9;

Matthew 10:29-31;

Discussion and Application

1. What temporary comforts, possessions, preferences, or conveniences are you sometimes more concerned about than the spiritual condition of other people?

2. Are there particular individuals or groups toward whom you struggle to reflect God's compassion? What does this reveal about your heart?

3. When God removes a comfort or allows difficulty, how might He be exposing your priorities and teaching you to value what He values?